You know you’re onto something special when you catch a film happily declaring its indebtedness to Dario Argento, John Hughes, and Tony Scott in the end credits. What’s the common thread between these directors, you ask? Well, apparently not much, except their collective impact on Hank Bedford's latest flick "Eugene the Marine,” which had its grand debut at the Oldenburg International Film Festival. While the film has its fumbles and confusing moments, its unapologetic originality is what keeps us on our toes.

In this fresh slice from Bedford’s filmmaking pie, Scott Glenn, who we admired in the recent season of The White Lotus, bags his finest lead role in a lifetime. Indeed, at age 86, the actor shows us he's far from done. Glenn effortlessly slides into the shoes of Eugene, a former Marine, and the encapsulation of disciplined living. His tiny universe consists of his large, time-worn home and his wife's ashes on the fireplace that he refuses to part with, in spite of his disgruntled son Andrew (Jeremy Bobb) and a slightly too cheerful real-estate agent (Jim Gaffigan) nudging him towards an assisted living facility.

Keeping his military roots, Eugene sticks to a meticulous, regimented routine. Filling his days with exercise, gardening, and Sudoku is as significant as his heartfelt interactions with his granddaughter Becca (Delaney Quinn), the young techie through who he discovers the world of social media and Zoom calls. Cue to a series of new buddies including a pleasant computer salesperson (Shioli Kutsuna), a quirky barista (Charley Ferguson), and an endearing reunion with his old friend Frances (Annette O'Toole).

A trippy blend of eccentric visuals, the film has a dash of creepy spice wrapped in the mystery of unexplained sounds and uninvited guests at an out-of-character party Eugene hosts. Bedford, a lover of retro cinematic techniques, strategically positions 16mm shots, along with interesting split screens and scene-transitions that steeps the film in an old-world horror vibe.

Amid the weird and the wonderful, Scott Glenn's performance as Eugene truly steals the show. Glenn's portrait of Eugene makes everyday valor sexy, reminding us that sensuality married with age can be a potent combination. "I am a dinosaur," Eugene tells the salesperson, with an endearing self-deprecation. However, his nuanced delivery of the role convinces us otherwise. For the unexpected twists, iconic references, and a star like Scott Glenn ruling the roost, "Eugene the Marine" swiftly swims its way into the must-see list. And boy, is it a catch!