Film Review: ‘Buffet Infinity’

Edmonton director Simon Glassman’s experimental horror, Buffet Infinity, screened September 30 at Metro Cinema as part of the 2025 Edmonton International Film Festival. Buffet Infinity takes an unconventional approach to horror, presenting mysterious events unfolding in the fictional town of Westridge, Alberta, through a series of commercials. 

With the bulk of the story being told through advertisements starring local business owners, the film replicates channel surfing while maintaining a coherent narrative. Glassman mentioned during the post-screening Q&A the concept took inspiration from The Simpsons and X-Files crossover episode. The film takes creative risks by moving away from standard cinematography and characterization. It relies heavily on stock footage and on-screen text to tell the story. And, characters often speak directly to the camera instead of interacting with each other. Glassman’s intention to mimic low-budget commercials is what makes these choices a success.

The sinister details that are buried within familiar advertising makes the format compelling. The film shows recurring commercials for an all-you-can-eat restaurant called Buffet Infinity. These ads carry an uncanny tone, with casual mentions of sinkholes and hardworking staff that are never seen. The most unsettling feature of Buffet Infinity is that it is a faceless enterprise. And this is a stark contrast to the other commercials that star proud small business owners. The audience having to piece together what is happening beyond the commercials as new layers of the story emerge with the unknown of Buffet Infinity, keeps the viewer invested.

Buffet Infinity has horror elements but I would say it leans more on the comedic side. There were a few scenes that were visually disturbing, but a lot was left up to the imagination. But there were certain parts of the movie I thought could benefit from maintaining longer periods of suspense. Unsettling scenes were often cut short by comedic relief. And the jokes took the focus away from the sinister undertones. The film never had me on the edge of my seat, but its unpredictability made it far from boring. The delivery of jokes was well executed and kept the audience laughing throughout the film. Buffet Infinity does well at showcasing the talent of Edmonton’s comedy scene.

The film’s many ties to Edmonton creates a rich experience for local viewers. At the same time, its selection in the 2025 Sitges Film Festival in Spain attests to the movie’s ability to appeal to an international audience. For those interested in watching, the film has secured a distribution deal with Yellow Veil Pictures, with release details to come.