FLAPJAX is a campy sci-fi horror comedy world-premiering at Fantastic Fest. It hits a lot of my sweet spots, as it’s batsh*t crazy – and I love it for that. It’s full of delicious (and disgustingly funny) practical effects, quirky characters, and many pop culture references and comments. It’s meta and also out of this world. Read our full Flapjax movie review here!
FLAPJAX gets its world premiere at the 2026 Fantastic Fest, and I can only imagine how amazing that experience must be. Not least for the audience – and the filmmakers experiencing this audience reaction. It’s a true genre hybrid of sci-fi, horror, and comedy. Also, it’s made deliciously campy and has so many amazing practical effects.
Sure, it’s over the top in so many ways, but this is also clearly the point. As someone who enjoys genre hybrids and never has a problem with comedy, camp, and over-the-top characters and plot, this is my jam.
Continue reading our Flapjax movie review below.
From the visuals to the plot, I was hooked
Flapjax is the story of a fast-food manager trying his best to succeed with his branch of a fast-food chain. The manager of this particular Hamudders is Arrow, and he is about to unknowingly execute the plans of an alien race. It all begins with the reintroduction of a menu item: FLAPJAX.
Clearly, there is a history with this product, as everyone seems surprised (and either pleased or terrified) that they’re coming back. Apparently, there were some “issues” the last time it was sold. The kind of issues that will have you rushing to the nearest toilet or soiling yourself if you can’t make it.
Anyway, the fast food place is suffering with almost no customers, so it’s time to bring back the Flapjax. It turns out to be a brilliant business move, as the customers are lining up on opening day. However, the employees have been told not to eat the products. The reason is that the supply is limited and they want to sell it all instead.
But is this the real reason, or is something much more sinister afoot?!
Well, I can promise you one thing: finding out is a real blast. The characters, visuals, plot, and brilliant use of practical effects had me hooked.
Welcome to Hamudders, may I take your life?!
This place is unlike anything I’ve ever seen, yet it is so clearly a comment on the ever-crazier concoctions huge fast food chains come up with. The kind of “food” that may taste good, but has virtually nothing good for you… except a day’s worth of calories in an item described as a snack.
I realize I sound like someone who hates fast food, but I’m also someone who could eat French fries every day, if I didn’t force myself not to. And my gut and overall health are thankful for that particular bit of willpower.
Anyway, the fast food restaurant in Flapjax is called “Hamudders”, which is of course a perfect way to combine the fact that pork and dairy are often key elements at the fast food places. And yes, the uniform at Hamudders does include a cap with an udder on top. And lots of pig-related merchandise. It’s a mess, really, but it’s about to get much worse.
If you’re a fan of Troma, which I can’t say that I always am, then I think you’ll enjoy this one. It truly is absolutely insane with its use of gorgeous practical effects that will impress and disgust. Just as they should!
Flapjax World Premieres at Fantastic Fest 2026
Rocko Zevenbergen is the director of Flapjax, which was also written by Rocko Zevenbergen (I Need You Dead!) alongside Estevan Muñoz. He also co-stars as the latest Hamudders employee. I haven’t mentioned the cast yet, which isn’t because they’re not important. Quite the contrary, they are what makes this craziness come together. Well, along with those amazing practical effects.
In Flapjax, we get to enjoy the talents of Gabriel Cagan (Bloods) in the lead as Arrow, with Georgia Kate Haege (Highway 905) portraying his mom. Also, Madeline Barbush (Dope Girls), Estevan Muñoz, Kaoru Koide, Takumi Mitobe, and Daniel Berkey.
I’ve seen Flapjax described as a genre-hybrid that combines a little of everything. All the way from the Troma-vibe to being inspired by Cronenberg. I can see it all. And yet, this feels like its own alien beast. Kudos to filmmaker Rocko Zevenbergen for creating a sci-fi horror comedy that made me laugh, gasp, wonder, and feel horribly disgusted. Exactly as it should. It truly is batsh*t crazy… and I love it for that.
Also, I loved how Hamudders was shown to be a pork-based place with lots of focus on the Udder part alongside a cartoon pig mascot. All over the place, which helps set the tone that you’re trapped in a fast-food hell of our own making.
Flapjax gets its world premiere at the 2026 Fantastic Fest. We’ll update this review with wider release information when we have it.
📺 Watch trailer
Plot
An over-eager fast-food manager is tasked with reviving a highly addictive menu item called “FLAPJAX” to save his fast-food company from bankruptcy. He pulls his estranged mother, a faded pop-star known as Popo, out of retirement to promote the item. However, he soon becomes ensnared by the company’s true intentions and his deeply rooted mommy issues.
Details
Director: Rocko Zevenbergen
Writers: Rocko Zevenbergen, Estevan Muñoz
Cast: Gabriel Cagan, Georgia Kate Haege, Madeline Barbush, Estevan Muñoz, Kaoru Koide, Takumi Mitobe, Daniel Berkey
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