The Welder
| The Welder | |
|---|---|
_poster.jpg) Promotional release poster | |
| Directed by | David Liz |
| Written by |
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| Starring |
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Release dates |
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Running time | 86 minutes |
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
The Welder is a 2021 American independent horror film directed by David Liz in his feature directorial debut and co-written with Manuel Delgadillo. Set in rural Florida near the Everglades, the film follows an interracial couple whose weekend getaway to a remote ranch turns into a fight for survival after they encounter a former surgeon conducting violent experiments intended to eradicate racism through the forced physical fusion of his victims. The cast includes Camila Rodríguez as Eliza, a military veteran struggling with trauma, Roe Dunkley as her boyfriend, Roe, and Vincent De Paul and Crist Moward in supporting roles.
Liz and Delgadillo developed the screenplay as a modern horror allegory addressing racial division, drawing thematic influence from Frankenstein (2015) and Get Out (2017). Filming took place entirely on location in Florida, with cinematography designed to emphasize the isolation of the ranch and the surrounding wetlands. Liz, who has a background in cinematography, used drone footage and natural lighting to create an atmospheric presentation within the constraints of a low-budget production. Practical effects were employed for gore sequences, including depictions of welding-related injuries.
Produced and shot on a limited budget, The Welder premiered at the Raindance Film Festival in 2021 before receiving a wider release. It was made available on digital platforms in the United States on February 24, 2023.[2] Critical reception was mixed, with some reviewers praising the performances, cinematography, and ambition of its concept, while others criticized its thematic execution and narrative structure.
Plot
Eliza, a Latina former soldier, experiences recurring nightmares and panic attacks related to a traumatic incident from her military service. During one episode, she sleepwalks into a storm before being stopped by her boyfriend Roe, an African American man. Roe arranges a weekend stay at a remote ranch he found online.
During their journey, the couple notices missing persons posters along the roadside, while elsewhere a man is shown preparing raw meat and leaving it in the woods. Upon arrival, they are met by the ranch owner, William, and his employee, Don, whose behavior unsettles them.
Flashbacks reveal that William's late wife was African American. Following her death, he became obsessively focused on ending racial prejudice by forcing the physical integration between people of different racial backgrounds. Under the name Dr. Godwin, he conducts medical and welding-based procedures to create human hybrids.
As their stay progresses, Eliza and Roe become aware of the danger posed by William, who regards them as central to his plan due to their being a mixed-race couple. Attempts to leave escalate into a violent confrontation, culminating in a final standoff. The conclusion leaves the fate of William’s experiments ambiguous, with a mid-credits sequence implying their continuation.
Cast
- Camila Rodríguez as Eliza, a Latina former army medic[3][4]
- Roe Dunkley as Roe, Eliza's boyfriend[3][4]
- Vincent De Paul as William Godwin[4]
- Anthony Vazquez as Duke[4]
- Cristian Howard as Don
- Jorge Pico as Uber Driver
- Matt The Welder as Tyler's friend
Awards
- 2021 Best Actress, Camila Rodriguez New York City Horror film festival. [5]
- 2021 Best Actor, Roe Dunkley, New York City Horror Film Festival. [6]
References
- ^ https://popcornfrights.com/film/the-welder/
- ^ Squires, John (February 21, 2023). "7 New Horror Movies Releasing This Week Including 'M3GAN Unrated'!". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
- ^ a b Wright, William J. (January 23, 2023). "Exclusive Trailer: "The Welder" Has a Terrifying Solution For Society's Problems". Rue Morgue. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
- ^ a b c d Dupée, Matthew C (March 7, 2023). "Movie Review: "The Welder" Takes On Social Ills, Racism, But Curdles Noble Intentions With Preposterous Premise". Rue Morgue. Retrieved March 7, 2023.
- ^ "2021 Award Winners". New York City Horror Film Festival. Retrieved 2025-08-03.
- ^ "2021 Award Winners". New York City Horror Film Festival. Retrieved 2025-08-03.
External links
- The Welder at IMDb