Hoagie

Art Label is the new outlet for envelope-pushing arthouse and experimental cinema. Growing from previous work under the Verboden Video and Culture Shock Releasing banners, Art Label is focusing on films that challenge traditional rules of form and content. Art Label is broadening its roots in horror and exploitation, reaching into other dimensions of expression to give new kicks to a well-versed audience of cinematic thrill seekers. Even the most hardened moviegoers will find stimulation in Art Label's releases.

A mysterious egg contains an impish creature who can grant great power, for good or evil. Brendan Bean, a kindly family man, finds himself face to face with the bizarre creature, and before long a friendship for the ages develops. Meanwhile, the depraved Benny Piazza leads his deranged militia on a violent quest to reclaim the magical homunculi.

Matt Hewitt’s relentlessly strange love letter to the “little bastard” subgenre is as much reminiscent of its inspirations (think Gremlins, Munchies, Ghoulies) as it is completely original. There is nothing like Hoagie out there, and there likely never will be again. This self-assured feature, full of goopy latex practical effects and squibs, is the culmination of a lifetime of ambitious no-budget filmmaking.

directed by: Matt Hewitt
starring: Ryan Morley, Stephen Heath, Lenae Day
2025 / 106 min / 2.39:1 / English DTS-HD MA 2.0

Additional info:

• Region Free Blu-ray
• Feature-length commentary with co-creators Matt Hewitt and Ryan Morley, with special guest Hoagie!
• Short films “Daddy’s Boys,” “Beta Testing,” and “Roid Rage”
• “Hoagie’s House” practical effects making-of featurette
• Eight Music Videos directed by Matt Hewitt
• Promised Men social media content
• Anderson Valley Ranch commercial
• Crowdfunding promotional videos
• Liner notes by Outlaw Vern
• Trailer and teasers
• English, English SDH subtitles