“My friends are losers, my uncle keeps trying to christen me in my sleep, and I’m drenched in my cousin’s bodily fluids.”
Brodie-Deathgasm
Uncle Peckerhead is one of those rare horror comedies that manages to perfectly balance gore and laughs in a way that feels fresh and genuine. Directed by Matthew John Lawrence, the film is an absurd and highly entertaining ride through the world of indie rock with a monstrous twist. What makes Uncle Peckerhead stand out is not just its bizarre premise but its heart—a surprising mix of dark comedy and friendship that grounds the chaos.
The story follows Judy (Chet Siegel), Max (Jeff Riddle), and Mel (Ruby McCollister), members of the struggling punk band “Duh,” who find themselves in need of a van for an upcoming tour. Enter Peckerhead, or “Peck” (David Littleton), a lovable but rough-around-the-edges guy who offers them his van. The catch? He turns into a flesh-eating monster for 13 minutes every night. What follows is a blood-soaked road trip where the band must balance their ambitions of making it big with the very real danger posed by their new roadie.
Littleton steals the show as Peck, infusing the character with both menace and warmth. He’s the kind of guy you shouldn’t trust, but somehow, you end up rooting for him. His chemistry with the rest of the band, especially Siegel’s Judy, provides an emotional core to the film that elevates it beyond a simple gore-fest. Siegel, too, is fantastic as the determined yet skeptical frontwoman, giving the film a much-needed groundedness amidst the absurdity.
The only real problem is the acting outside of the two leads. Ruby McCollister is particularly bad. Her lines often seem forced and miss-timed. Jeff Riddle is a little better, but he, too, lacks the timing and charisma you want from a supporting performance.
The film’s low-budget charm shines through, with Lawrence making the most of practical effects for the gory transformations and kills. The special effects work perfectly in context—gruesome enough to satisfy horror fans but never taking itself too seriously. It’s got that DIY punk aesthetic that suits the narrative and tone, giving it an authenticity that adds to the humor.
What truly makes Uncle Peckerhead a success is its sharp writing and clever blending of genres. The humor, while dark, is laugh-out-loud funny, and the horror elements are gruesome without ever crossing into mean-spiritedness. The pacing keeps things lively, ensuring that the film never drags even when the plot veers into predictable territory. The film explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and artistic ambition, but it never feels preachy or bogged down by its message.
Uncle Peckerhead is a delightful gem in the horror-comedy genre—fun, grotesque, and unexpectedly heartfelt. It’s the perfect movie for fans of punk rock, horror, or just anyone looking for a wildly fun and bloody good time.
Rating: 7/10
