Otto Baxter: Not a Fucking Horror Story

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Otto Baxter: Not a Fucking Horror Story

2022

1h 56m

Documentary

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6 Reviews

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Fewer than 50 Ratings

A feature-length documentary following 35-year-old Otto Baxter as he writes and directs his first short film, THE PUPPET ASYLUM. Through his work, Otto finds the vocabulary to process his past and imagine his uncertain future. He tackles his demons head-on, but always with a riotous sense of humor. Otto's recent experiences of bereavement and a family health scare have forced him to think about mortality for the first time -- his own and those closest to him. He has always turned to films to make sense of the world and this moment is no exception. Through the writing and directing process, Otto tackles his demons head-on, but always with a riotous sense of humor. Otto's extraordinary upbringing has meant his life has always played out on camera to some extent. This rich archive will be blended with drama and present-day footage in this intimate documentary, to tell the compelling story of Otto and his family, placing it firmly in the context of the UK's evolving attitudes to disability over his lifetime.

Kat Hughes

THN

Come for the compelling character, stay for the introduction of an exciting new genre voice.

Rated: 4/5

Mar 30, 2024

Full Review

Maria Lattila

WhyNow (UK)

Otto Baxter: Not A F***ing Horror Story has a lot of love for the art and craft of filmmaking, but it’s Otto’s resilience and artistic flair that really make this documentary fly.

Rated: 4/5

Sep 28, 2023

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Martin Unsworth

Starburst

It’s a well-made film, with some genuinely disturbing moments (and songs!)

Rated: 4/5

Sep 11, 2023

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Dulcie Pearce

The Sun (UK)

Charming, talented and adept, as well as changing attitudes, the very funny Otto also can’t fail to make you laugh.

Rated: 3/5

Sep 8, 2023

Full Review

Edward Porter

Sunday Times (UK)

[A] heartening story of an impressive man...

Rated: 4/5

Sep 8, 2023

Full Review

Saskia Baron

The Arts Desk

The love and respect [Lucy Baxter] has for her sons with Down’s shines through this documentary, alongside the resilience and charm of its subject, film-director extraordinaire, Otto Baxter.

Rated: 5/5

Sep 8, 2023

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Holly O

Absolutely beautiful and a must watch. Otto is an inspiration to us all, as is his mum Lucy.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/10/24

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Peter Beard

Director

Bruce Fletcher

Director

Otto Baxter

Self

Rebecca Callard

Self

Daisy Allsop

Producer

David Nath

Executive Producer

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Synopsis

A feature-length documentary following 35-year-old Otto Baxter as he writes and directs his first short film, THE PUPPET ASYLUM. Through his work, Otto finds the vocabulary to process his past and imagine his uncertain future. He tackles his demons head-on, but always with a riotous sense of humor. Otto's recent experiences of bereavement and a family health scare have forced him to think about mortality for the first time -- his own and those closest to him. He has always turned to films to make sense of the world and this moment is no exception. Through the writing and directing process, Otto tackles his demons head-on, but always with a riotous sense of humor. Otto's extraordinary upbringing has meant his life has always played out on camera to some extent. This rich archive will be blended with drama and present-day footage in this intimate documentary, to tell the compelling story of Otto and his family, placing it firmly in the context of the UK's evolving attitudes to disability over his lifetime.

Director: Peter Beard, Bruce Fletcher
Producer: Daisy Allsop
Production Co: Archface Films, Story Films
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: British English
Runtime: 1h 56m