'Grind' Review

Connor Petrey
37 minutes ago
2 min read

Release Date: --/--/-- [TBA]

Genre: Comedy. Horror. SciFi.

MPAA: Not Rated.

Distributor: Squirrel Park. Chelsea Stardust. Illium Pictures.

Seen for SXSW 2026.

The Verdict: A Must-See

When you consider the anthology genre… not a lot comes to mind that absolutely nails every single segment the film contains (Creepshow being a clear leader in that field). Grind seemingly makes an anthology where each segment that succeeds the next gets crazier and crazier with the circumstances revolving around gig culture. With four tight shorts that tackle the daily grind of so many in modern society, Grind gives these situations a paranormal and/or supernatural twist.

With the four shorts that surrounds this topic, we see a social media ponzi scheme with severe consequences for missing quotas, a delivery driver in an endless loop of despair, a content moderation career path that drives the beholder insane, and a monster in a box ready to bring down a newly founded Union. Ed Dougherty, Brea Grant, and Chelsea Stardust's feature can be downright silly, unbelievably dark, and an unreal experience as we see the clichés being used to the film’s advantage, and the satirical nature of the writing culminates in a series of horrifically funny scenarios.

Grind is terrifically unique in its desire to tackle such a serious topic of conversation in today’s society and turning it into a horror feature with quite a few bizarre laughs along the way. With a talented cast behind each short, giving their own perspective into the crazy world that simulates something similar to what we see in our own reality. It’s gory, hilarious, and just a bloody blast from beginning to end as each segment compliments the last and ends on an incredibly high, campy note.

Where to Watch: