As a fan of all things related to alien abductions in the Sci-Fi world of horror, Static Codes brings a new and refreshing approach by means of limiting the bells and whistles one would expect to see in a story about the unknown phenomenon. This film immediately captures the human side (and a comical method) to dramatize what would otherwise focus on actual creatures, torturous probes and after effects of an unbelievable trauma.

Richard (a quirky performance by Shane Woodson) is a defeated paraplegic who lives in isolated squalor with his beloved dog Buster and devotion to his radio broadcast, True Phenomenon. Although he has limited listeners, his commitment to the podcast is only centered on one important item: locating his cherished wife Penelope who (he claims) was taken by extra-terrestrials 15 years ago. He lives a sad and lonely existence that is funded by the same government who “refuses” to hear his theories regarding his wife’s vanishing.  

The realization of Richard’s hopelessness knocks him over when he is shut out of his own domain after an online argument with what was a loyal fan. He deteriorates into a sorrowful mess as he recounts everything wrong in his pitiful life: Penelope is gone, he has a strained relationship with daughter Angie, alcohol and shots of ketchup become his go-to meals, and his only conversations are between him and Buster who has now fallen ill. What else could possibly go wrong?  

When visited by his buddy, Steve (another exceptional depiction by Mike Ferguson), Richard opens himself up to the bible-toting missionary by agreeing to read the words of their lord and savior, provided Steve brings back groceries and his kind-heartedness in hopes of bringing Richard out of his slump.  

During this gap in time, we watch the bulk of special effects in Static Codes…a minimal appearance of his wife in a ghostly “static” 3-D impression urging Richard to find her before he is abruptly thrown into a deep sleep. Awakening to several new “miracles”, the most apparent being a strange, tattooed code on his arm convinces Richard he now has the coordinates to find his wife. Finally.  

Ferguson’s anxious attempts as a jolly filled son of God covered in ink and intimidating presence, is a testament to his ability to turn on (and off) the charm. It’s a hard task indeed but paired up with the sad and whacky Woodson just seems to work so well. All conspiracy theories aside, this is a moving satire with amusing moments (watering the plants with beer, anyone?) which will tug at your heartstrings between the flashes of laughter.