Bad Fever

Awkward at first and then wonderfully awkward throughout, Bad Fever hits with a sudden ending and then it’s over. Although the film isn’t quite as consistent as I would’ve liked, it also speaks to the central character of the film, Eddie.

Eddie is a loner. He wants to be a stand-up comedian and carries around a recorder with him to tape his act. Eddie isn’t your typical comedian. He longs for someone to talk to and interact with, and when he meets Irene he thinks he’s found it. The only problem is that Irene is a drifter and doesn’t like commitment. Eddie won’t ever understand.

Like I said, in the beginning I wasn’t sure whether I would like this movie or not. The story wasn’t going anywhere and we learned very little about Eddie. Then, when he met Irene, things changed. I began to connect with Eddie. The actor, Kentucker Audley, is phenomenal in the role, especially when Eddie finally gets to do his stand-up act in front of people.

The relationship between Irene and Eddie is odd by normal standards, but then again they aren’t entirely normal. The characters connection really depicts everyone’s need to be understood by someone else. We all just want to have someone to talk to.

There was no formula for Bad Fever. It played out as organically as it could and stayed true to its characters. Yet when it ended it was so abrupt that I felt tricked. I needed a better conclusion than what I was given. You’ll still be able to see the message, but wish for maybe five more minutes with Eddie.

I mostly enjoyed Bad Fever because I enjoyed watching Eddie. The way he thinks and how he speaks is interesting enough to make you want to understand him. Still, if I had been given a whole ending, and spared the boring beginning, I think Bad Fever could’ve been better.