Fantastic Fest Feature, Riddle of Fire, Arrives in Theaters

The neo-fairytale, set in Wyoming, USA, follows three mischievous children as they embark on an odyssey when their mother, Julie (Danielle Hoetmer), asks them to run an errand. On the hunt to obtain her favorite blueberry pie, the children are kidnapped by poachers, battle a witch, outwit a huntsman, befriend a fairy, and bond together to become best friends forever.

This movie is the feature directorial debut by Weston Razooli and stars three children, two siblings – Hazel (Charlie Stover) and Jodie (Skyler Peters), as well as their friend Alice (Phoebe Ferro). To run the errand, they take off down the country road on their motorbikes to hit up a warehouse armed with paintball guns. They manage to get into the stockroom to locate the box of their choice and make a run for it. After they make it home, they have more challenges before they can actually use what is in the box.

Since the particular kind of blueberry pie is critical to accessing what they need at home, here is the next adventure. First, they get the secret recipe, then go to the grocery store, but one main ingredient still evades them. Another adult has taken the item, so don’t hesitate to head to the forest to get it.

These three child actors turn in great performances as both young and not entirely innocent. They mean well and certainly do not hesitate to reach for what they need/want or consider right.

Some scenes may or may not set well with all film fans who think children should behave a set way, but this one certainly shines a spotlight on a specific time and region that this is just right. It is undoubtedly one entertaining story.

Starring: Lio Tipton, Charles Halford, Charlie Stover, Skyler Peters, Phoebe Ferro, & Lorelei Olivia Mote

Shot on 16mm, Weston Razooli’s feature debut world premiered at Cannes Directors Fortnight (Quinzaine des Cinéastes). It made its North American debut as Closing Night of TIFF Midnight Madness and a U.S. debut at Fantastic Fest. It now arrives in theaters on March 22nd.

About the Director | Weston Razooli
Award-winning American writer/director Weston Razooli grew up in Park City, Utah. His feature debut, RIDDLE OF FIRE, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival in 2023. At thirteen, he was sent to boarding school in Southern California. He attended California College of the Arts in San Francisco, where he studied illustration, graphic design, and fashion design, intending to apply these mediums to filmmaking. In 2015, he founded Anaxia, a production company based in Los Angeles.

Run Time: 113 Minutes

Source: Yellow Veil and Vinegar Syndrome

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