Brought to you by local legends Causeway Films (Talk to Me, The Babadook), this New Zealand horror/comedy hybrid is a killer strain. Beginning with a sincere, deadpan portrait of millennial friendship, an idyllic New Years getaway in isolated Canterbury takes an unexpected turn when a bad batch of cursed weed unleashes horrific after-effects.

Produced on a low budget that sees the principal cast doubling in cinematography, production design and catering roles, The Weed Eaters stars Alice May Connolly (The Power of the Dog) and features cameos from Paul Kean of legendary Flying Nun band The Bats, and NZ comedian David Correos. First-time director Callum Devlin’s background in music video for the likes of The Beths can be heard in the film’s charming indie soundtrack, and its descent into bloody farce upholds the blood-spattered Kiwi tradition of Bad Taste (1987) and Black Sheep (2006).