Ringworms is directed by Will Lee and written by Lee and Ian Hedman. On a romantic getaway Abbie (Faye Tamasa) becomes distressed after learning her boyfriend, Jacob (Skylar Okerstrom-Lang), intends to propose to her. This draws the attention of a most peculiar cult.

The performances are good and slightly exaggerated, but it feels intentional. Tamasa gives my favorite performance. She is tasked with carrying a lot of the film’s more dramatic elements, and she does it well. I love the pacing. There is never a dull moment. The cinematography is strong. The atmosphere is rustic, it’s grimy, and it captures the feel of an 80’s horror film in a sufficiently modern fashion. The cult is depicted in a way that is visually satisfying. However, I didn’t find their story or their arc to be as satisfying.

Since they aren’t anywhere near the focus here, it isn’t too much of a problem. The audio is great. There is a scene where Abbie steps on a cricket, and the sound alone is cringe-worthy in the best way. I had to go back and listen to it again! There are a variety of effects here. The CG works incredibly well sometimes and not so well at other times, but the tone helps relieve those moments when the CG fails to be remotely believable. Ringworms isn’t trying to be very serious, so the CG doesn’t have to look realistic to accomplish its goals. The practical and make-up effects are wonderful.

Ringworms is more entertaining than it is suspenseful, but there are moments of suspense and humor. The way it tackles a modern issue through the lens of 80’s style horror is cool. Perhaps more importantly, it’s just plain fun through and through.