Frances Ferguson

Offbeat, peculiar, unconventional—these words not only describe the title character of this outlandish movie about a bored substitute teacher who goes off the rails, but also the work in general of one of our favorite fringe filmmakers, Bob Byington (Infinity Baby, TCFF 2017). A wife and mother of one, Frances (Kaley Wheless) has lost all joy in life when she steps in to sub in a high school biology class, and ends up sleeping with one of the students. Not surprisingly, the crime lands her in jail, but nothing can alter her hilariously nihilistic view on life. As usual Byington brings his off-kilter cinematic style as well as the help of some of his friends including Nick Offerman, who perfectly narrates in his signature dry and ironic tone. Sprinkle in a fantastic supporting cast including David Krumholtz as her square but well meaning counselor, Bob's best, and most accessible and mature work yet will make you laugh even as it makes you squirm. In Person: Director Bob Byington