Escaping Ohio

A shy, closeted queer teenager named Woody finds solace in a collection of VHS tapes, particularly a bizarre, low-budget horror-comedy about a doll that comes to life. As he navigates the challenges of his small-town life, including bullies and a lack of acceptance, Woody begins to suspect that the fictional world on his tapes might be bleeding into his reality. He must confront his fears and embrace his true self to escape the mundane and terrifying aspects of his life.

Escaping Ohio received widespread critical acclaim for its unique blend of horror, comedy, and heartfelt coming-of-age themes. Critics lauded its originality, visual style, and the deeply personal narrative presented by director Vera Drew. The film was praised for its representation of queer identity and its innovative approach to low-budget filmmaking.

• A wildly inventive and deeply personal horror-comedy that defies easy categorization.
• Praised for its bold visual style and unflinching exploration of queer identity.
• An audacious and heartfelt debut that resonates with both scares and sincerity.

Google audience: Audiences universally adored 'Escaping Ohio', highlighting its originality, humor, and emotional depth. Many viewers connected with the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and praised the film's creative visual effects and endearing characters. The blend of horror and comedy was frequently cited as a major strength.

Winner of the Audience Award at the Fantasia International Film Festival, Nominated for Best Feature at the Overlook Film Festival.

The film's creator, Vera Drew, stars as the protagonist and also served as the director, writer, editor, and visual effects artist, making it a truly independent passion project.