Massachusetts Premiere

The black smoke of burning rubber fills the screen heralding the arrival of Vulcanizadora, a smolderingly black comedy by Joel Potrykus (Buzzard, Alchemist’s Cookbook, Relaxer).

Two best friends cut a path through the Michigan woods. Derek (Potrykus) is a loquacious bundle of nervous energy in weather-appropriate attire with an overstuffed backpack full of camping gear. Marty (Joshua Burge), quietly determined in street clothes, carries a single bag whose contents and purpose is a cautiously avoided topic. This is not a vacation. They’re on a mission.

Filmgoers with impeccable taste may already be acquainted with Marty Jackitansky and Derek Skiba from Potrykus’ 2014 film, Buzzard. But, make no mistake, this is not a sequel in any traditional sense. No prior knowledge is required to join them on their trip. You will know who they are by the time they reach their destination.

With Vulcanizadora, Potrykus has tread his most delicate dizzying tightrope-walk between existential misery and comedy. His lens is unsparing yet never unsympathetic—finding laugh-out-loud humor in the darkest moments, revealing pain in childish rituals, giving Derek the uninterrupted attention he needs when he finally stops babbling to speak of the inner demons that led him into the woods, and gracing Marty with one of the film’s most striking shots as he attempts to literally unearth his deepest regret.

Shot on gorgeous 16mm by cinematographer Adam J. Minnick, Vulcanizadora is poignant, dreadful, hilarious, and metal. BUFF is thrilled to be bringing you its Massachusetts premiere.

– George Luke

Brattle Passes not accepted.