Photo by Members Club: A Hilariously Dark Spin on Stripping and Sorcery
From unexpected gigs to witchy rituals, Marc Coleman’s Members Club is geared to leave you laughing and squirming at the same time.
The eclectic cast of Members Club brings an engaging blend of horror and comedy to the screen.
In a world where aging male strippers struggle to reclaim their glory days, Members Club dives headfirst into the murky waters of desperation, hilarity, and the supernatural. Directed and written by Marc Coleman, this horror-comedy unfolds the misadventures of a once-popular troupe, Wet Dreams, struggling to find relevance as they face the inevitable decline of their careers. The film stars an array of characters including Alan (Dean Kilbey) leading the charge to book a questionable gig at a 12-year-old’s birthday party.
As bookings dwindle and their manager (Liam Noble) pulls the rug from under them, the hope for a comeback seems all but lost. Yet, with a determination reminiscent of other underdog stories like The Full Monty, Alan asserts himself, transforming what could be a sad satire into a frolicking escapade. However, little do they know that the night has much more in store than just embarrassing performances.
A Witch’s Bargain
The plot takes a turn when the crew discovers the sinister intentions of a witch’s coven—including Alan’s estranged daughter Daisy (Barbara Smith). Seeking to resurrect their founder Agnes (Charley Burling), the witches have a specific—and decidedly strange—requirement for their ritual. This leads the film to delve into unexpected themes of estrangement and family dynamics, albeit with mixed results. While the film successfully highlights the absurd situation at hand, the gravity of familial relationships occasionally contrasts awkwardly with the lighthearted humor.
“While Members Club brings some mileage out of its surprise connections, the serious dialogues often feel out of sync with the film’s core spirit.”
One of the standout performances comes from Steve Oram as Blind Brian, a quirky, one-eyed enforcer for the coven, whose over-the-top antics provide both humor and shock value. Coupled with the bizarre addition of a talking cheese and pineapple hedgehog, the film manages to stay engaging, albeit in the most peculiar ways.
The Humor: A Double-Edged Sword
Members Club doesn’t shy away from comedy rooted in crass jokes—including dick jokes that take center stage—and the humor works for those willing to bare the weight of such themes. The performances from the cast elevate the often juvenile jokes, injecting just enough heart to transition from gags to guffaws.
The practical effects, courtesy of Steve Braund, impressively deliver gruesome visuals, reinforcing the horror elements against a backdrop of comical absurdity. However, the film’s tone occasionally stumbles, particularly in scenes requiring emotional weight between Alan and Daisy, which can feel dissonant amidst the humor.
Conclusion: A Wild Ride
In the end, Marc Coleman’s Members Club is a romp that provides laughs interspersed with moments of horror and introspection, even if the latter at times feels overly serious. For fans of lowbrow humor and supernatural quirks, this film promises a good time, carving out its niche in the comedy landscape. Just remember, the title might play differently outside the UK—perhaps a cheeky renaming to Black Magik Mike is in order to make its intentions clearer.
With a rating of 3/5, Members Club can now be enjoyed on Digital Download across the UK, marking its entry into the horror-comedy genre with some unpredictable flair.
To learn more about the film’s wild twists and turns, check out its digital release on major streaming platforms!
