Dive Into the Mind-Bending World of ‘Hundreds of Beavers’

Written and directed by Mike Cheslik on a modest budget of around $150,000, ‘Hundreds of Beavers’ offers a unique blend of slapstick comedy, inventive creature designs, and a thrilling “man versus nature” narrative. Despite its unconventional premise, the film has garnered widespread acclaim, boasting an impressive 95% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

Set in the mid-19th century, ‘Hundreds of Beavers’ follows the solitary applejack farmer Jean Kayak (played by Ryland Brickson Cole Tewe) as he battles against a relentless onslaught of beavers wreaking havoc on his farm. What begins as a minor annoyance quickly escalates into a full-blown war as Kayak devises increasingly absurd traps to fend off the furry invaders.

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At its core, ‘Hundreds of Beavers’ is a testament to Cheslik’s ability to escalate absurdity while maintaining a sense of comedic charm. Tewe’s physical comedy prowess shines as Kayak navigates the surreal challenges thrown his way, from courtroom showdowns with beavers to daring rocket ship escapes.

Shot in black-and-white with obscured, gibberish dialogue, the film channels the spirit of classical silent comedies while adding a modern twist with its anthropomorphic animal characters. Cheslik’s unapologetically surreal approach ensures that ‘Hundreds of Beavers’ continuously subverts expectations, resulting in a truly unique viewing experience.

Despite its unconventional nature, ‘Hundreds of Beavers’ has found success beyond the festival circuit, thanks in part to its premiere at Austin’s Fantastic Fest in 2022. The film’s roadshow appearances have further bolstered its reputation, attracting audiences eager to embrace its offbeat humour and imaginative storytelling.

As surreal comedies become increasingly rare, ‘Hundreds of Beavers’ stands out as a beacon of creativity and originality. Cheslik’s ability to deliver absurdity with practical effects signals a promising future for the filmmaker, proving that innovation can thrive even with limited resources.

– Farheen Ali