Otto Baxter: Not a Fucking Horror Story

2023

1h 56m

Documentary

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100%

7 Reviews

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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.

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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

Daisy Allsop

Producer

David Nath

Executive Producer

Rupert Houseman

Film Editor

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Kat Hughes

THN

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

Rated: 4/5

Mar 30, 2024

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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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Anton Bitel

VODzilla.co

Bruce Fletcher and Peter Beard’s documentary and Otto Baxter’s horror short form a diptych on disabled experience, autonomy and empowerment.

Sep 20, 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

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Edward Porter

Sunday Times (UK)

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

Rated: 4/5

Sep 8, 2023

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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: David Nath
Genre: Documentary
Original Language: English
Runtime: 1h 56m