Vulcanizadora

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1:33

Vulcanizadora

May 2025

1h 25m

Drama

Horror

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Popcornmeter

98%

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51 Reviews

Popcornmeter

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Two friends trudge through a Michigan forest with the intention of following through on a disturbing pact. Once their plan goes shockingly awry, the haunting consequences of their failure can't stay hidden for long.

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Critics Consensus

Darkly funny even while tinged with mounting dread, Vulcanizadora is another micro-budgeted gem in Joe Potrykus' indie crown.

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Adam Kempenaar

Filmspotting

Vulcanizadora is, at times, discomfitingly hilarious but also deeply affecting.

Rated: 4.5/5

Jul 12, 2025

Full Review

Robert Abele

Los Angeles Times

The ending’s a downer, all right, but you might just smile too. Then feel bad about it. Then chuckle. Which is when you realize Potrykus has you right where he wants you.

May 12, 2025

Full Review

Matt Zoller Seitz

RogerEbert.com

Most of its impact comes from going into the movie without any preparation and feeling as if you’re watching a blank tabletop being filled in with puzzle pieces until a full picture emerges.

Rated: 3/4

May 2, 2025

Full Review

Laura Hiros

Rincón de cine

The film is a true emotional puzzle, with the anguish of what doesn't make sense, and the feeling that the protagonists never managed to find their own true. [Full Review in Spanish]

Rated: 4/5

Sep 12, 2025

Full Review

Cody Allen

Geek Vibes Nation

What begins as a strange, lopsided reunion gradually unravels into something far more intimate and unsettling—a confrontation with failure, regret, and the ghosts that trail behind us when we try to disappear.

Rated: 9

Jul 18, 2025

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Chuck Bowen

Style Weekly (Richmond, VA)

This one might be a good first step for those curious about a filmmaker who hides earnestness and poignancy under a cloud of obstinacy.

Jun 20, 2025

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Lea B

Although some may find the low budget aesthetic to be off putting, it’s what makes this a gem. Hats off to Potrykus for turning limited resources into a solid horror film that avoids overused tropes such as zombies or demonic possession. As disturbing as it is, the story is entirely plausible.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/25/25

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acsdoug D

Try as I might I couldn't care about any of these characters. And why was almost the entire movie shot in close up?

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

09/20/25

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Vincent S.

Badly acted, annoying, terrible.

Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars

07/25/25

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Tyler G

Hmmm. The indie hype around this is a bit odd. It is unique and memorable, but it also take 40 of 80 minutes to get beyond weird dialogue exchanges and longshots of walking through the woods. Burge is excellent.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

07/04/25

Full Review

MB C

Two men retreat into the forest on a quiet, existential mission—but what begins as a journey of intention becomes a slow meditation on regret, loneliness, and the absurdity of human connection..... Vulcanizadora is visually patient and thematically ambitious, yet narratively opaque. With minimal dialogue and stretched-out silences, it leans into mood over momentum. Despite strong performances and some poetic visuals, the film often feels trapped in its own symbolism, offering more confusion than clarity...... An acquired taste for fans of abstract, slow-burn cinema—more compelling to dissect than to watch......

Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars

06/17/25

Full Review

Stephen C

Horror success in 1 hour and 25 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/12/25

Full Review

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Joel Potrykus

Director

Joshua Burge

Actor

Joel Potrykus

Actor

Bill Vincent

Actor

Solo Potrykus

Actor

Joel Potrykus

Screenwriter

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Vulcanizadora: Trailer 1

1:33

Vulcanizadora: Teaser

0:37

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Synopsis

Two friends trudge through a Michigan forest with the intention of following through on a disturbing pact. Once their plan goes shockingly awry, the haunting consequences of their failure can't stay hidden for long.

Director: Joel Potrykus
Producer: Hannah Dweck, Matt Grady, Ashley Potrykus, Theodore Schaefer
Screenwriter: Joel Potrykus
Distributor: Oscilloscope Laboratories
Production Co: Dweck Productions, Sob Noisse, Factory 25
Genre: Drama, Horror
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): May 2, 2025, Limited
Runtime: 1h 25m

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