The Hay Man

The Hay Man follows two estranged brothers, Sherm (Melodious Zach) and Orson (Dave Allen), as they reconnect to face an evil threat that looms over their family farm. The piece was made with a production cost of only $600 and utilises hand-drawn artwork, 3D models, and VFX that contribute to the lo-fi aesthetic the filmmakers were clearly aiming for.

The Hay Man ultimately feels like a home-made piece of filmmaking, which is evident in its visual aesthetic and the clear passion from the filmmakers and cast that shines through the material. The estranged brothers are portrayed wonderfully by Dave Allen and Melodious Zach, the latter of whom also serves as the director. At times, the actors worked only with a crew of two individuals, which makes the experience even more commendable. The chemistry between Dave Allen and Melodious Zach is incredibly endearing and easily the most compelling aspect of the film. Orson and Sherm have to reconnect despite their differences to face the evil threat that haunts both of them, and the sequences of dialogue are engaging thanks to their energy bouncing off one another. A standout scene is one involving a board game which creatively utilises voiceover, and this is incredibly fun to witness, accompanied by the musical score, giving the film a much-needed propulsive energy.

The film's incredibly low budget plays well into the more absurd elements of the narrative, as the visuals are clearly an intentional approach from the filmmakers. While the narrative structure is disjointed, certain elements, including the Sunshine Show, are endlessly endearing due to their commitment to this singular vision. It can be frustrating, however, to piece together where the story is going as the lethargic pacing and bizarre tonal shifts are jarring. The use of indistinct lensing adds to the lo-fi aesthetic, which is fittingly applied throughout the duration of the runtime. Despite the film's budget constraints, the mix of black and white photography filtered in throughout surreal sequences is mostly effective and adds to the charm.

Dave Allen and Melodious Zach, also serving as the film's composers, deliver an enthralling musical score which heightens the moments of intensity and the more intimate dialogue-heavy scenes. While the flat and indistinct imagery can be unappealing, the use of point-of-view shots from the perspective of the creatures around the farm is a visceral approach. The filmmakers make the most of their limited budget by also utilising puppetry for certain creatures, which works incredibly well. Despite the piece suffering from lethargic pacing issues, the latter half of the narrative is far more gripping when conflict arises from the evil threat. Its prolonged runtime doesn't quite justify its length due to the disjointed nature of the first half in comparison to the third act, where it comes together. That being said, the narrative primarily takes place around a remote farm setting and with budget constraints working against the production value, writer/director Melodious Zach does his best to bring all the narrative threads together in a satisfying manner.

The Hay Man is a creative piece of filmmaking with its heart in the right place, with a genuine passion for the material despite the film's shortcomings. Anchored by Melodious Zach’s dedication to the entire project and his chemistry with Dave Allen on screen, The Hay Man is a worthwhile experience.