Jean Kayak (Ryland Brickson Cole Tews), a 19th century Applejack salesman has a booming business until a group of beavers destroy his orchard. Destitute and freezing in the middle of winter can Jean turn his hand to fur trapping to turn his fortunes around? 

Hundreds of Beavers is a low budget movie that has rightfully broken through the sheer volume of content that is available for you to watch. The comic genius and invention on display is an ode to the inventiveness of the filmmakers and its low budget adds to the enjoyment because of the creative decisions made.

The film plays out as an homage to silent movie comedies and Looney Tunes cartoons that feature the ACME corporation. It is shot in black and white. Features no dialogue. Stars only five actors you can see and a cavalcade that you cannot who wear animal onesies to portray the beavers, rabbits and wolves of the film. It is also uproariously funny and endlessly inventive in its storytelling ideas. 

Jean opens the film drunk on the success of his Applejack business. Both literally and figuratively. He then spends days in the wilderness trying and failing to catch food before encountering a successful fur trapper. Inspired by how successful the fur trapper is and how attractive the furrier he sells to is, Jean sets out on a new career path. Battling with the various animals of the forest including hundreds of beavers who appear to be building more than just a dam. 

The film’s creation is as interesting as the film itself. Two friends came up with the idea in 2018. Shot the film across twelve weeks of winter in 2019/2020. Spent two years editing and adding effects via Adobe After Effects. Before it then premiered in September 2022 at a film festival called Fantastic Fest. All of which leading to its release in April of this year online. 

Mike Cheslik who directed, co-wrote and edited alongside Ryland Brickson Cole Tews who stars and co-wrote have delivered what is essentially a live action cartoon that will have your sides splitting. 

Wonderfully inventive stuff.