Sometimes big words aren’t needed to describe a movie. To put it bluntly, “Jimmy and Stiggs” has balls. Not only that – and the film itself would probably appreciate this phrasing – it “f—ing” rocks.
“Jimmy and Stiggs” follows Jimmy Lang, a drug addict who calls on his best friend Stiggs for help after being visited by violent aliens.
A World of Neon Madness
What makes “Jimmy and Stiggs” stand out isn’t its visuals alone, but its commitment to the bit. The film has its own style and never loses it through the 80-minute runtime. To call it neon would be an understatement. Packed with vibrant colors, the film feels like a fever dream. There’s no real reason for it to be this colorful – but it is. Because why not.
That choice pays off when the alien gore begins. Attempting realistic blood could have posed challenges, but the bright orange splatter proves to be a blast. As the movie progresses, the characters become more drenched in these colors, giving the film a flair not many others can match.
Alongside its vivid palette, “Jimmy and Stiggs” commits to practical effects. The aliens are purposefully silly while still unnerving from certain angles. Whether heads explode, limbs tear apart or punches land, the practical work shines. The neon aesthetic may help disguise budgetary limits, but it doesn’t diminish the craftsmanship.
In fact, the movie uses only practical effects – from puppetry to a robot hand – to bring the aliens to life.
Camera Chaos and Visual Style
Cinematography is another standout, offering some of the most creative camerawork of the year. Immersive POV shots, bold transitions and fluid movements create a visceral experience that drops the audience straight into the madness. Director Joe Begos clearly aimed for disorientation, and in that, he absolutely succeeds.
Shot entirely on 16mm film, “Jimmy and Stiggs” gains another layer of visual texture. The format enhances the neon glow and the feverish ambiance. Considering it took four years to make on a roughly $200,000 budget, the end result looks even more impressive.
The film loses steam past the midway point, beginning to feel like a regurgitation of events. As the third act begins, the repetitive nature of the story becomes apparent. Despite this, the film is able to introduce new stakes over the final 20 minutes to reinvigorate the story.
The plot itself isn’t anything out-of-this-world either. It’s fairly generic, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad. “Jimmy and Stiggs” can almost better be described as an “experience” rather than a coherent story. It’s all over the place, and intentionally so.
The barrage of profanity also wears thin. At times, it feels like “f—” is used every other word, dulling its impact until it borders on distracting.
Performances That Go All In
Begos himself stars as Jimmy alongside Matt Mercer as Stiggs Randolph. Both actors go all-in, transforming into wild, cocaine-fueled versions of their characters. There’s plenty of yelling, but their energy never wavers, grounding the chaos with full-throttle performances.
For fans of indie horror, “Jimmy and Stiggs” is a visual feast with wild practical effects and neon-soaked visuals. A maddening experience from beginning to end, it’s the kind of movie destined for a cult following.
Rating: 4 out of 5
