Review published 20th August 2026
Watch the official trailer.
The Story
Have you ever watched a film that was so bad it somehow became good? One example that took the movie world by storm, quite literally, was Sharknado. An outrageous concept involving sharks attacking people while trapped inside tornadoes, the series somehow became a major success and eventually spawned six films. The company responsible for that madness is none other than The Asylum, one of the world’s most recognizable producers of low-budget genre entertainment. Known for its high-concept productions and mockbusters, The Asylum releases a large number of films every year through various distribution channels and international partners. Alongside original titles such as Sharknado, the company has also become known for films designed to resemble major Hollywood releases, including titles like Transmorphers and the upcoming Master of the Universe.
The documentary introduces viewers to Australian filmmaker Anthony Frith, his partner Karlye, and their baby son Keaton. Living in Adelaide, Frith spends his days creating corporate videos while quietly dreaming of becoming a feature film director. Despite years of ambition and persistence, opportunities continue to pass him by until he has a simple but bold idea: reach out to The Asylum. To his surprise, they say yes. Invited to Burbank, California, Frith meets The Asylum’s David Michael Latt and Paul Bales, who offer him the chance to direct one of their films. The catch? The film, The Land That Time Forgot, will be shot under The Asylum’s famous “six-day special” production model. With very little preparation time and an enormous amount of pressure, Frith accepts the challenge and embarks on the journey of a lifetime. The result is an intimate behind-the-scenes look at filmmaking, ambition, and the harsh realities of bringing a feature film to life under extraordinary circumstances.
More Than Just A Documentary About Bad Movies
At first glance, Mockbuster appears to be a documentary about The Asylum and the films they produce. While that is certainly part of the experience, the documentary ultimately becomes something much more personal. At its heart, this is the story of a filmmaker finally receiving the opportunity he has spent years hoping for. Anthony Frith is easy to root for. He comes across as humble, relatable, and genuinely passionate about filmmaking. As both a father and an aspiring director, his desire to leave a legacy and achieve something meaningful feels incredibly human. While he is clearly stepping into a situation that may be larger than anything he has tackled before, that only makes his journey more compelling. What makes his story particularly engaging is the knowledge that opportunities like this do not come around often. If Frith says no, there is every chance he may never receive another shot like this again. That reality adds genuine stakes to the entire documentary.
A Fascinating Look Inside The Asylum
Having watched many of The Asylum productions over the years, I was already familiar with the company’s reputation. However, Mockbuster gave me a completely new perspective on how the studio operates. The most fascinating element is seeing the company’s production process firsthand. From budgets and scheduling to approvals and creative decisions, the documentary offers an eye-opening look into how The Asylum manages to produce so many films each year. The documentary explores the realities behind the mockbuster business model and reveals a company that is far more organized and efficient than many viewers might expect. Regardless of what audiences think of their films, there is no denying the impressive speed and commitment required to keep such a production machine operating. In many ways, I actually walked away with a greater appreciation for The Asylum than I had beforehand.
Six Days Of Pressure
The documentary’s most shocking revelation is undoubtedly the six-day shooting schedule. Making a feature film is difficult under normal circumstances. Making one in six days seems almost impossible. Watching Frith and his crew attempt to pull this off becomes one of the documentary’s strongest aspects. Every day introduces new challenges, including scheduling issues, costume concerns, approval delays, and unexpected problems that threaten to derail production. Some of the most interesting moments involve The Asylum’s continued oversight throughout the production. Costume approvals, production requirements, and last-minute discoveries constantly add pressure to an already intense situation. The six-day deadline effectively becomes the documentary’s true antagonist, creating a sense of tension that remains present throughout the entire journey.
Film School In Documentary Form
One of the documentary’s greatest strengths is that it works even if viewers have never seen a single Asylum film. Yes, fans of Sharknado, Transmorphers, and other mockbusters will likely find plenty to enjoy. However, the film’s broader appeal comes from its honest portrayal of filmmaking itself. Anyone interested in directing, producing, writing, or simply understanding how movies are made will find valuable insight here. The documentary demonstrates the importance of adaptability, problem-solving, teamwork, and perseverance under pressure. More importantly, it serves as a reminder that sometimes the best opportunities arrive in unexpected forms.
Final Thoughts
Overall, Mockbuster is far more than a documentary about low-budget movies and the company that produces them. It is an inspiring look at a filmmaker chasing a lifelong dream while navigating one of the most demanding production environments imaginable. Anthony Frith’s journey is engaging from start to finish, and his determination to seize an opportunity that may never come again makes him an easy person to support throughout the film. At the same time, the documentary provides fascinating insight into The Asylum’s production methods, business model, and filmmaking philosophy. Watching a feature film come together under a six-day schedule is both stressful and impressive, while the behind-the-scenes access continually reveals new challenges and surprises. Whether you’re a fan of Sharknado, a lover of movies in general, or simply someone who appreciates stories about people pursuing ambitious goals, Mockbuster is well worth your time. It is informative, inspiring, surprisingly insightful, and perhaps most importantly, it offers a newfound appreciation for the people responsible for bringing even the strangest films to life.
Mockbuster (2025) will be Available in Australian Cinemas from August 27th thanks to Umbrella!
About the Reviewer
Peter Walkden
Film writer and curator with a deep passion for cinema, genre filmmaking, and physical media. Exploring new releases, cult favourites, and overlooked films, with a strong focus on atmosphere, storytelling, and the theatrical experience.
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