The ONLY criticism regarding the thriller with comedic overtones "Dead Envy," which opens theatrically at the Arena Cinelounge Sunset in Los Angeles on August 24 before hitting VOD and cable platforms on September 3, is that "Curl Up and Die" is a much better title. The press materials stating that this tale of an aging rocker turned hairstylist unwittingly letting a crazed fan into his life is semi-autobiographical for writer-director Harley Di Nardo makes Di Nardo an especially interesting person to get to know. Any incidents that involve hobbling are particularly intriguing,
The following YouTube video of the Random Media "Envy" trailer provides a good taste of the old-school elements of '80s-style rock and psycho-thrillers from that era.
Di Nardo stars as David Tangiers, who is the "has-been" front man for former top of the alternative pops band Katatonic Spin. He does not have much more success as a stylist at the salon that he owns with toxic aging hag Dawn,. Tangiers spouse Cecily is the salon receptionist/bookkeeeper.
Early scenes clearly establish that rockertude is incompatible with the pampering associated with mainstream mid-level salons.
David is focusing more on staging his comeback than on running his salon when Javy Bates manipulates himself in his life in a manner that results in this man who seems unqualified to groom a dog talks his way into a stylist position, His early efforts support the credo of salons that if you don't look good, we don't look good. A demo CD further suggests that this wannabe should quit his day job.
In true thriller style, Javy increasingly shows his roots in manners that extend beyond his very creepy home life that likely involves copious use of body lotion. His putting David in a highly compromising position is a highlight that leads to an even better "morning after" scene.
It is amusing that things go fully old school as David sees the Dawn. His partner gets him to wise up just as Javy fully goes off the deep end as part of his wanting a new romance. This leads to the inevitable showdown with one of the equally inevitable conclusions. Who ends up dead on the floor or the hospital involves almost the final chord. We also get treated to the aftermath. One spoiler is that Di Nardo makes watching the closing credits worthwhile.
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