Exclusive First Look at “The Bad Taste Better”

Enjoy an exclusive peek at the upcoming short “The Bad Taste Better”, which promises to bring monstrous horror to the Wild West.

In an exciting exclusive for Morbidly Beautiful, we’re thrilled to bring you the first look at the upcoming horror-western short film, The Bad Taste Better.

This ambitious project, helmed by writer-director Dylan Volker, promises to blend the gritty allure of classic Westerns with the heart-pounding terror of practical effects monster movies.

Set against the backdrop of the untamed American frontier, The Bad Taste Better follows the ill-fated journey of outlaw Mateo “El Bajito” Mendoza (Owen Adams) as he falls into the clutches of notorious bounty hunters Red Hand Stanton (Dan McGee) and Jethro McAllister (Cale Kaz).

As the trio sets up camp in the abandoned ghost town of Rugged Hill under a foreboding full moon, they soon find themselves battling for survival against a sinister, predatory force lurking in the shadows.

Adding to the film’s eerie authenticity, The Bad Taste Better was shot on location in Vulture City, a genuine ghost town nestled in Wickenburg, Arizona.

This atmospheric setting provides the perfect canvas for a tale that seeks to blur the lines between American mythology and horror.

Director Dylan Volker describes the project as a “true labor of love” and a tribute to the films that shaped his childhood.

“I’ve long believed that the Old West represents North America’s closest approach to its own mythology, making it the perfect setting for this genre piece,” Volker shared exclusively with Morbidly Beautiful.

Despite working with a modest budget and tight deadlines, Volker and his dedicated crew managed to bring their creative vision to life without compromise. The director praised the “remarkable synergy and belief in the project” displayed by the small but passionate team.

The film boasts a talented cast, including Cale Kaz (known for “Catharsis” and “Cycles”) as the comic relief character Jethro McAllister. Kaz shared some intriguing behind-the-scenes anecdotes with Morbidly Beautiful, including his experience filming with horses in Tucson – a poignant moment that connected him to cherished memories of his late mother who loved horses.

“Getting to dress up like a Cowboy and just play around like a kid again… was pretty therapeutic. Moments like that are why the craft of acting has such a hold on me.” 

Owen Adams, who co-developed the story and stars as Mateo “El Bajito” Mendoza, expressed his excitement about the project:

“This film is everything I wanted it to be, harboring distinct characters, a story worth listening to, and a visual tone that leaves a lasting impression on our abilities.”

Sound designer Gavin Sondrup offered a tantalizing glimpse into the film’s atmospheric production.

Gavin is a filmmaker who specializes in bringing stories to life through sound design and VFX. He loved shooting at the practical location of Vulture City.

“A few times during the shoot, lights flickered, and odd howls could be heard,” Sondrup revealed, adding to the ghostly ambiance of the location. He hinted at the story taking viewers to places that both “thrill and terrify.”

Assistant Director and Script Supervisor Cameron Bone could not say enough wonderful things about working with the cast and crew of The Bad Taste Better. He hailed the project as a testament to creativity, which proves that great ideas can be executed without a high budget and with Hollywood production.

He promises that the film “immerses you into a gritty, familiar world of 19th-century bounty hunters and gunslingers while unraveling into the deeper duality of good and evil within man and the unsettling fear of the unknown.” 

What’s Next for The Bad Taste Better?

The team expects to have the picture locked by late September, just in time for October festival deadlines. After its festival run, horror fans can look forward to the film’s release on free platforms like YouTube and Vimeo.

For those eager to sink their teeth into this monstrous Western tale, an official teaser is available now, that you can check out below, along with the film’s final poster.

Stay tuned to @thebadtastebetter on Instagram for updates on the film’s progress, upcoming trailers, and festival dates.

Morbidly Beautiful readers can rest assured that we’ll be keeping a close eye on this promising horror-western hybrid as it gallops toward its release.