Where to watch: ‘King Knight’ is available to watch now on Digital and VOD, and playing at Cinelounge Sunset and Alamo Drafthouse on Friday, February 18th.

Matthew Gray Gubler has such an insanely large and dedicated fanbase that the mere mention of his name is among the best PR a film of his can receive. So, let me just say: Matthew Gray Gubler. His new movie, King Knight, is a farcical dark comedy in which Gubler plays Thorn, the high priest of a small pagan cult alongside his partner and high priestess Willow (Angela Sarafyan). Under their leadership, Thorn and Willow advise their new-age witch community on everything from relationship issues to life advice. They put out metaphorical fires with ease but, unbeknownst to them, there’s about to be a disruption in the coven.

However, Thorn is hiding a secret: one so big that it stands to blow up his pagan paradise and jeopardize everything he loves. Despite trying to hide all evidence, Willow uncovers Thorn’s deepest, darkest secret in an email from his former high school classmate: an invitation to attend his 20-year reunion, addressed to the class President, Prom King, and “Most Likely to Succeed” honor student, Thornton.

Screaming in terror, Willow is horrified to learn that Thorn actually comes from a preppy, well-adjusted background and doesn’t have a dark, emo past as he led her to believe. “You might as well be a Chad!” she yells at him, as he sheepishly avoids eye contact. It’s the film’s funniest scene and perfectly describes the tone of the film. Thorn’s further confession to playing lacrosse sends Willow into an uncontrollable frenzy. “I fucking hate you!” she screams, as we laugh.

Thorn is forced to comfort his squeaky clean past once and for all. He agrees to attend his high school reunion, using the opportunity to go on a solo vision quest and try to discover who he really is. Impressive mixed-media animation depicts Thorn’s journey of self-discovery as he wanders throughout the desert drunk on ayahuasca and regret.

The humor of King Knight comes from the characters taking themselves so seriously despite its obviously silly premise. It’s shot like a horror film with a techno dubstep score by Steve Damstra, and a supporting cast that reads like an underground comedy set: Andy Milonakis, Kate Comer, Johnny Pemberton, and Nelson Franklin are just some of the names that make up the new wave witch cult. Matthew Gray Gubler is charming as always, and Angela Sarafyan’s levelheadedness offers a nice balance to his zaniness.

King Knight is a goofy eighty-one minutes of fun, well worth the investment if you’re looking for a humble indie film to make you smile–or to just gush over Matthew Gray Gubler.

Distributed by XYZ Films. 81 minutes.

Morgan Rojas

Certified fresh. For disclosure purposes, Morgan currently runs PR at PRETTYBIRD and Ventureland.