The highlight of Fantasia 2025 for me was Brandon Daley’s anxiety-inducing, pitch-black gambling addiction comedy $POSITIONS.
Mike (Michael Kunicki) is trying to get rich quick trading crypto. There is a joyful opening credits sequence that takes place right after he hits it big and quits his job. What follows after that is a slow descent into hell.
Daley and Kunicki manage to make us care for this foolish character, and the film is one hilariously stressful ride. Kunicki reminds you of a less goofy Tom Green. I expect we’ll be seeing him in more films. Trevor Dawkins also impresses as tough guy Travis, who has to deal with his own addiction.
While parts of $POSITIONS seem highly implausible, it still has an intricately plotted script where the threads come together at the end. Dark Star Pictures acquired the film last week and is planning to release it in theaters early next year.
