Bagworm (SXSW Full Review)

The beauty of indie filmmaking lies in finding creative ways to make something magical happen. That creativity never stops and filmmakers constantly have to push themselves to capture that one wild shot or scene. They have to be working together as a team to create something truly special. The best indie films are the ones that swing for the fences, embrace the bold, seek unconventional ideas, and Bagworm is one of those films. Following a character named Carrol, played by Peter Falls, is someone who is spiraling out of control, which is always a compelling journey. A friend once told me that being “self-destructive” really just means being destructive, leaving damage everywhere you go—and that idea is fully embodied here. As an audience seeing this movie, you’re constantly rooting for him to break out of the rut he’s trapped in. Bagworm truly leaves with so many great messages and lessons in it.

The films that resonate most are the ones with characters you can connect with. Even when a movie goes completely off the rails, it can still reflect very real internal struggles, which is one of the strengths of the horror genre. Bagworm pulls you into its world immediately, immersing you in this character’s day-to-day life. Which is someone who is trying to sell hammers, while life relentlessly hammers him back. He can’t catch a break and sinks deeper into his own sorrow. Peter Falls delivers an outstanding performance, fully committing to every uncomfortable aspect of the character. He’s messy, gross, socially awkward, and often lashes out, yet you still feel for him. You want him to succeed, and that emotional pull is what makes the film stand out.

Visually, the film is striking, with a handheld style, inventive visuals, and creative makeup design that all add to the experience. As the story progresses, everything becomes more intense and unhinged. There are strong elements of body horror as Carrol undergoes disturbing physical changes, serving as a powerful metaphor for how he’s rotting from the inside out. At its core, the film highlights the consequences of neglecting your own well-being. It’s a raw look at mental health and how easily someone can be consumed by darkness, while still weaving in moments that are funny, horrifying, and surprisingly touching. It's able to blend so many genres together and does it in a fun way.

What really grounds the film is that Carrol isn’t alone. His friends don’t give up on him and continue trying to steer him in the right direction, which brings in moments of hope throughout. That balance keeps the film from feeling completely bleak. Even having moments with the character that seem redeeming. It’s also open to interpretation, which is part of what makes it so engaging. Different viewers can take away different meanings. That flexibility is part of the beauty of storytelling, especially in a film that blends genres as confidently as this one does. This movie can be pure entertainment, but the more you peel back its symbolism, the more you realize what the movie is trying to say. It has a ton of ideas and done so creatively that the audience will pick out something from it.

I also had the chance to sit down with both the director and star, and hearing about the behind-the-scenes process made me appreciate the film even more. What stood out most was their passion. They truly set out to make the film they wanted to make, and everyone involved showed up ready to bring that vision to life. It may not be for everyone, but there’s something here for anyone willing to give it a chance. Overall, Bagworm is entertaining, chaotic, kind of gross in all the right ways, and full of charm. If you’re looking for something original, this is absolutely worth your time. It delivers a rare experience you’re not going to find anywhere else.

Rating: 78/100