It’s always exciting when a new horror-comedy dares to push genre boundaries while embracing a proudly absurd spirit, and Hold the Fort, William Bagley’s sophomore feature following The Murder Podcast (2021), certainly fits the bill. World-premiering at Montreal’s Fantasia International Film Festival, this gory suburban satire marks a significant tonal shift for Bagley. While his debut was rooted in podcast-era true crime, Hold the Fort gleefully barrels into the supernatural, delivering a chaotic mix of demonic mayhem, HOA bureaucracy, and suburban dread.
Thirty-something couple Lucas (Chris Mayers) and Jenny (Haley Leary) relocate from the city to a seemingly tranquil suburb. Lucas is enthusiastic—perhaps naively so—about the change in lifestyle, while Jenny is rightfully suspicious, especially of the restrictive homeowners association rules. Their unease is validated when Jerry (played by popular YouTuber Julian Smith in his first feature role), the chipper HOA president, invites them to the annual equinox party. What starts as a casual get-together involving alcohol and cheese sticks with the neighbors quickly descends into something far more sinister: the unveiling of a demonic portal hidden within the community, spewing grotesque creatures—wave after wave—that threaten to tear their heads off like a lawnmower on suburban grass.
Bagley doesn’t waste a moment getting to the good stuff. The HOA party kicks off quickly, and the carnage doesn’t let up until the closing credits. The film’s brisk 74-minute runtime ensures a relentless pace. There’s a tantalizing sense that this world is larger than what we’re shown—especially during the procession of monsters erupting from the portal. Some are fantastically designed, others… less so.
One monstrous villain in particular is hyped early on and certainly looks menacing, but frustratingly receives far too little screen time. The same can be said of the Hellspawn in general: each new wave hints at escalation, but the spectacle fizzles out too soon, feeling like a missed opportunity to dive deeper into the madness.
The cast, overall, brings infectious energy to the proceedings. Chris Mayers and Haley Leary are serviceable as the leads, but it’s the supporting players who leave a lasting impression. Julian Smith brings unexpected charm and comedic timing to Jerry, balancing his Stepford-friendly façade with something more sinister beneath the surface.
But the true scene-stealer is Tordy Clark, whose portrayal of a blissfully stoned neighbor is packed with eccentricity and hilarious unpredictability. Every one of her scenes delivers a jolt of comedic energy, and she’s likely to become a fan favorite on the festival circuit.
The humor in Hold the Fort is uneven, but not without its highlights. Bagley blends dry wit with slapstick gore, creating moments that are laugh-out-loud hilarious, while others provoke nothing more than a polite smile. The film’s strongest comedic beats come from visual gags and bizarre one-liners rather than extended dialogue. Tonally, the film feels like a scaled-back Cabin in the Woods, with a suburban twist and a much leaner mythology.
Visually, the practical effects are a mixed bag. Some of the monster designs are impressively grotesque and creatively executed, while others aren’t quite as effective. Still, there’s charm in the creature choices (Kung Fu Zombies, anyone?), as each one brings something surprisingly different to the table.
Narratively, the script is uncomplicated and direct. There are no real twists or subversions—this is a straightforward ride into chaos with minimal detours. But in a way, its simplicity is part of the appeal. Hold the Fort isn’t aiming for layered metaphor or existential terror; it just wants to entertain—and in that, it succeeds. It may not reach the cult heights of the horror-comedies it clearly admires, but it’s an enjoyable, “Tower Defense”-style adventure that keeps its tongue firmly in cheek and its feet planted in the blood-soaked boards of the community building.
Hold the Fort is a spirited, imperfect, and undeniably fun horror-comedy that doesn’t overstay its welcome. With charismatic performances—especially from Julian Smith and Tordy Clark—swift pacing, and bursts of imaginative creature chaos, it delivers a gleeful dose of suburban terror wrapped in HOA satire. While it could have benefited from more waves of chaos, sharper dialogue, and more creative appearances for (most of) its creatures, the film is a testament to indie ingenuity and genre passion. Fans of offbeat horror will find plenty to enjoy, even if they’re left wishing for just a little more hell to break loose.
William Bagley’s second feature film receives 3.5 stars out of 5.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=videoseries
