By GRACE DETWILER
Starring Mary Glen Fredrick, Elizabeth Ramos, Liana Hunt
Written and Directed by Alexandra Spieth
Blank My Life Productions
There is only one film genre in which women, on average, have more screen time than men: horror. But even more rare is a movie – horror or not – where the majority of the cast and crew is made up of women. Alexandra Spieth’s STAG is that rare film, boasting a 60% female-identifying production. That fact has a meaningful impact on the final product that is STAG: a film that dives deep into the horror innate within a number of distinct toxic friendship dynamics between women. At its core, however, is a pure-hearted tale of reconciliation and a powerful message that it is never too late to say sorry to a friend.
Starring Mary Glen Fredrick in a star turn as Jenny, STAG follows its protagonist as she navigates the complexities of reuniting with an estranged friend who invites Jenny to her bachelorette party, years after the two had a serious falling out. All we know going in is that Amanda (Elizabeth Ramos) – the bride-to-be – felt betrayed in some way by Jenny, so much so that it ended their friendship…until now. However, when Jenny arrives at the party, she finds it to be hosted by two wealthy sisters: Amanda’s new best friends (Liana Hunt and Stephanie Hogan). While their animosity towards Jenny seems warranted at first, it soon becomes clear that something more ominous is afoot.
A dark horror comedy that explores the intricacies of friendships between women, STAG is a funny and entertaining – but also moving and heartfelt – look into what it really means to trust another person with your time, effort, and well-being. Taking cues from genres such as folk horror, slashers, and more, STAG owes as much to Midsommar as it does to Get Out. If the highlight of the film is Fredrick’s performance as Jenny, the MVP is undoubtedly writer/director Alexandra Spieth, who brings an incredible amount of heart, skill, and cinematic know-how to her film.
Through STAG, Spieth shines a light on the toxicity at the heart of so many female friendships: the friend who tries to control your life, the friend who takes advantage of your kindness, the friend who abandons you when things get rough, the friend who enables your unhealthy behavior. But at its core, STAG wants to know what makes a true friend, the kind of friend you keep your whole life long. Is Jenny that kind of friend? There’s only one way for Amanda to find out: invite her to an intensive test of faith – a bachelorette party.
STAG is currently playing the festival circuit. STAG’s next screening will take place at San Antonio Film Festival on August 1, 2023.
