Kombucha: The Sequel
I reviewed Kombucha (The Movie) last December when I interviewed Director Jake Myers and saw the screening at the Balboa Theater’s ‘Another Hole in the Head‘ horror-fest. My impression was that, despite presenting our favorite drink as a noxious beverage, anyone offended by this tongue-in-cheek satirical portrayal of kombucha should lighten up. Indeed, I considered the main message of the movie to be:
The dystopian exaggeration of the Silicon Valley office startup culture, where the office is a ‘family,’ and you are encouraged to burn the midnight oil to deliver a PowerPoint presentation the next day. Think McKinsey consultants on steroids, or designer ‘booch. (Incidentally, and an absolute coincidence, are the parallels between the use of ‘personally customized’ kombucha in the film and a possible future described in Episode 2 of my ‘Fermented Future’ Sci-Fi series. Great minds, eh, Jake?)
If you’re a fan of kombucha and not happy about a horror movie taking liberties with your favorite beverage, why not take 90 minutes to look at the movie and form your own impressions? There are a couple of ways to watch it on a computer or TV and prepare for the sequel, which will be released later this year. The movie is available to rent or buy on Apple TV+ and Amazon Prime Video. However, there is now a way to watch for free.
Breaking news: Screambox
The movie had limited distribution and was shown in only a few theaters. Breaking news: It has just become available online for streaming to your PC or TV via a subscription on Screambox*, the specialized, subscription-based streaming service dedicated entirely to horror content, operated by Bloody Disgusting. It features a vast collection of indie films, slashers, documentaries, and cult classics.
(*) Screambox is designed for US audiences only.
Watch for Free
If you act fast, you can take advantage of a special discount watch the movie for free.
Active Screambox Promos:
- Code “horrorshow30”: 30 Days FREE (Expires 4/11/26).
- Code “godlessbirthday”: 30 Days FREE (Expires 4/14/25).
- Code “cabletv”: $0.99 for a month.
These promotions allow new customers to explore the horror streaming service without upfront costs, after which the subscription rolls into a monthly fee of $6.99.
How to Redeem:
- Visit the Screambox website.
- Enter the promo code during sign-up.
- Provide account details and payment information.
- **Cancel anytime to avoid charges**
Screambox on TV
Screambox can be downloaded as a dedicated app on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, or Android TV devices.
I downloaded the app for free via Roku, with the option to cancel before the Roku 7-day trial ends.
More breaking news: Kombucha II
But wait, there’s more breaking news!
Director Jake Myers and Producer John Condne are working on a sequel. In Kombucha II: Hostile Takeover, the action moves from the Silicon Valley startup setting of the first film to a New Age wellness cult. Think NXIVM, Source Family, and Bikram Yoga.
This sequel promises to be the unhinged body horror comedy you didn’t know you needed. Two sisters, one sick, the other skeptical, stumble into a wellness cult where the kombucha is alive, the SCOBY has opinions, and the glory hole leads somewhere deeply non-consensual. Expect a movie that is in turn gross, funny, and surprisingly moving. Rumors are that the vaginal jade egg scene alone is worth the price of admission. This looks to be a creature feature where the ‘booch is just what the doctor ordered, and then some.
Filming is scheduled in Chicago this July.
