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Local actor brings independent filmmaking home
Midwest grit meets old-school horror in Evil 1%, an independent biker-horror film directed by Anthony Moran, showcasing effects, outlaw biker culture and the unapologetic spirit of 1970s and ’80s grindhouse cinema.
While the film is rooted in Detroit, it has a strong Toledo connection through local actor Justin Cluckey, who brought the film to Toledo, via a special screening and meet and greet at The Pale Horse.
Cluckey describes Evil 1% in a few words, “Brutal, chaotic & pure rock n roll.” Those three terms, he explains, begin to describe what audiences can expect. “I describe it with those three words because they scratch the surface of what hell awaits on the screen.”
Buckets of gore and leather jackets
Evil 1% is a sequel to 2023’s Let Us In!, following the fictional Satan’s Key and Devil’s Hand motorcycle clubs on a chaotic, acid-fueled trip. Cluckey sees the film’s commitment to practical effects as one of its biggest strengths.“This movie comes from the love of pure filmmaking.”
While his own scenes didn’t involve the film’s most extreme practical gore, Cluckey said he has seen plenty of what audiences can expect. “There are a multitude of scenes I found to be very impressive with neon light and blood drenched gore effects,” he said, adding “When I say many ‘body parts,’ that means nothing is off the table in this movie.”
Cluckey also said watching Moran work has given him a greater appreciation for the filmmaking process, particularly editing. “How much time goes into editing a film and how much precision goes into it,” he said. “Everything is a learning curve each day to make a well-made film. It should never be rushed.”
Bringing evil home to Toledo
Cluckey brings the film to Toledo as more than a promotion, but rather to give back to a community that has remained important to him. “I’ve brought it to Toledo because even with all the traveling I’ve done, Ohio will always be my heart. Toledo continues to grow and I think it’s important to give back to the city that has given so much to me throughout the years.”
The Pale Horse event proved that there is an audience for something different in Toledo. Cluckey said fans made the night memorable. “By the end of the night I had multiple people talking to me, telling me they loved it and how they appreciated something different and ex- citing happening in Toledo,” he said.
No rules in Evil 1%
Asked what viewers should expect from Satan’s Key and Devil’s Hand, Cluckey isn’t giving away much. “The craziest thing audiences should prepare for is there are no rules in the film. You’ll have to show up to find out what that means!”
And if Satan’s Key and Devil’s Hand ever roll into Toledo? “Buckle up, y’all are getting a one-way ticket to hell and y’all are riding shotgun,” Cluckey said. “Bring your barf bags! Evil is coming.”
With a limited theatrical run planned and streaming and physical-release details still to
come, Cluckey encourages fans to follow Independent American Pictures and his Instagram, @videomortuary, for updates.
