Horror film starring Vergennes actor premieres with ‘humor, glitter and gore’

VERGENNES — The award-winning suspense thriller film, “The Ranger” has been screened at over 40 film festivals worldwide, and it’s coming to Vergennes this Saturday, Oct. 27. Organizers of this Halloween weekend feature are anticipating a night of frightening fun in the 121-year-old Vergennes Opera House with the Vermont premiere of this independent thriller film. The film stars Vergennes resident Jeremy Holm (“House of Cards” and  “Mr. Robot”) in the title role where, as the park ranger, he “takes his job very seriously.”
The film, directed by Jenn Wexler, is a post-modern, punk-rock feminist take on the ’80s slasher movie. After a night of partying gets out of hand, and an altercation with the law, a group of punks have no choice but to look for somewhere to lie low. Their hideout of choice is the inherited cabin in the woods belonging to Chelsea (Chloe Levine). While the rest of the gang get down to partying, Chelsea struggles with being back in the holiday home of her youth, the place where her uncle tragically died. The group’s troubles are far from over, however, when their raucous behavior soon finds them on the wrong side of the local park ranger. One who takes his position deadly seriously. Set to the beat of a killer punk soundtrack and presented in eye-popping neon colors, Wexler’s debut offers a modern take on survivalist horror that both celebrates and subverts the genre’s tropes — with equal parts humor, glitter and gore.
“The Ranger loves his job like I love Vermont,” said Holm, who will introduce the film on Saturday evening. “It’s a very special night to share a slice of history in this historic building. I wonder what spirits will visit us? I know the Ranger will enjoy Vergennes!”
After the film, the room will be transformed (with audience help) to accommodate a Halloween-themed, DJ-led dance party complete with a costume contest and silly prizes.  This event is produced by the Vergennes Opera House in collaboration with Hired Hand Brewery, Daily Chocolate and W.D. Benton Appraisers.
“This is going to be great fun,” said Gerianne Smart, Vergennes Opera House President and season producer. “Jeremy is a great friend of the community and was very helpful in securing this screening. Between his help and the help of local sponsors, we are pleased to be able to make this happen.”
Tickets are $15 for the combo screening and dance party that starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for just the dance party are $10 (9:30 p.m. start). Tickets are available online at vergennesoperahouse.org, at LuLu’s Ice Cream on Main Street in Vergennes, or at the door. 
“The Ranger” is rated PG-13, 1:20 run time. Cash bar managed by Bar Antidote, doors open at 7 p.m. For more information, visit vergennesoperahouse.org or call (802) 877-6737.

Share this story:

No items found
Share this story: