Severed Head Shocker: "Kick On" Hits Toronto Fest

Australian filmmaker Nick Kozakis's action-horror film, "Kick On," is making its world premiere in the Toronto International Film Festival's Midnight Madness lineup. The movie follows four friends whose night of partying devolves into a desperate fight for survival within the opulent home of a mobster's son.

Kozakis, with a background in music videos, aimed for a "John Wick cracked out on meth" sensation, focusing on intimate character close-ups to capture genuine fear and reaction. The film heavily relies on real stunt performers and practical effects, with designer Larry Van Duynhoven contributing realistic prosthetics, including a severed head used for a gruesome effect.

The narrative explores themes of chance and inherited toxicity, particularly through characters Eden and Ray. Eden's reckless decisions are driven by fear for her sister, while Ray struggles against a domineering father's influence. Kozakis intended to create humanized characters whose choices, though flawed, make them relatable.

"Kick On" was shot in approximately 20 days with a demanding 1,536 setups. Kozakis previously directed "Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism" and is now working on a comedy titled "Off the Boat." "Kick On" is set for an Australia-New Zealand release by Umbrella Entertainment, with Blue Finch Films handling global sales.