The Anarchist Cookbook

Inspired by the legendary 1960s radical handbook of the same name, this debut film from director-screenwriter Jordan Susman tells the coming-of-age story of a group of friends living in a slackerish, anarchist commune in Dallas, Texas. The film is narrated in voice-overs from the film's antihero, the group leader, Puck (Devon Gummersall). Puck is a genius college dropout who inspires the group with a relatively low-key, utopian view of radical existence. Together with pranksters Double D (Steve Van Wormer) and Sweeney (Johnny Whitworth); sexy swinging feminist Karla (Gina Philips); and aging hippie Johnny Red (John Savage); Puck rails against globalization, Starbucks, and other stereotypical anticapitalist concerns. Their idea of anarchy is primarily about freedom and fun; more peace than protest. That is, until their commune is invaded by newcomer Johnny Black (Dylan Bruno), a nihilistic anarchist who favors a more violent, guerilla-warfare approach. Toting explosives, Johnny Black turns Puck's peaceful utopia upside down. Black's influence sets off a series of violent events, which land Puck in his hometown of Plano, Texas under house arrest. Once there, he meets and falls in love with Jody (Katharine Towne), a sexy Young Republican. Together with Jody, Puck plots the downfall of Johnny Black in a darkly comic and satirical finale.