Kombucha – Movie Review (3/5)

KOMBUCHA is a workplace horror-comedy that has a lot going for it. A very small cast, an extremely simple premise, and a character-driven story with lots of kitsch and familiar references. It is definitely worth watching – whether you love or loathe the drink. Read our full Kombucha movie review here!

KOMBUCHA may be an acquired taste, but this horror-comedy is not. It is an absolute recommendation for fans of the horror and comedy hybrid. A genre-mix, I am a huge fan of. This one specifically combines a dark workplace comedy with a sinister horror twist.

The runtime is 1 hour and 34 minutes, which works just fine for the storyline. And really, I don’t have too much to complain about, but it was missing something (an extra edge of some kind) for me to give a higher rating. However, I never considered going any lower for my rating of this movie.

Continue reading our Kombucha movie review below. Find it on Digital from December 2, 2025.

Too good to be true?

As workplace horror-comedy goes, Kombucha begins with a familiar premise: If something sounds too good to be true, there’s obviously a catch of some kind. Admittedly, no one could be expected to predict the catch in the case of this workplace.

We meet a struggling musician just as his girlfriend is getting fed up with him. To be honest, I can understand why. He’s a slob who slags off and has the audacity to diss her job while enjoying what her paycheck can provide. Chasing his dream, and offering no support to her, as she supports them both.

So, she decides it’s time for a break, just as an old musician friend comes around with a job offer. The pay starts at over 100K per year, and he doesn’t need any special skills or talent. Just a recommendation.

As he begins, it becomes obvious that he also needs to drink their product, which is kombucha. Now, you may not be a fan of kombucha, but once anyone tries this particular recipe, they are hooked. As in addicted to the stuff. Suddenly, they can do anything and be their very best self.

Well, maybe not so much themself as the ideal worker.

David Cronenberg meets The Office

Kombucha has very appropriately been described as “David Cronenberg meets The Office”. A comparison to Severance may not be too far off, either, as these employees really end up being all about the job. And the kombucha! It truly is a body horror workplace story… involving a very special kind of mother, as well.

Of course, we get to enjoy lots of workplace references, including the buzzwords and fluff words of many offices. From “circling back” to celebrating a huge contract, this is satire gold.

Kombucha stars Terrance Carey, Claire McFadden, and Paige Bourne. Sure, there are more actors in this movie, but these three are key players. Okay, also Jesse Kendall should be mentioned here. And just wait until you meet “Mother”.

Watch Kombucha on Digital & Blu-ray or DVD

Kombucha was written & directed by Jake Myers, who has managed to create a wonderful genre hybrid. One that isn’t too scary for those who will love the comedy and satire. Also, it has lots of deliciously yucky body horror elements with gorgeous practical effects, which should please horror fans.

Oh, but please don’t get me wrong. This may be kitsch and include comedy, but it is first and foremost a workplace body-horror movie. A story of all the free kombucha you can contain, paired with “workplace horror drenched in fluorescent lights and teeming with suspicious team building”. If that sounds good to you, then you must check out this one!

This Kombucha horror story in film form will be available for purchase or rental on Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play, Fandango at Home, and more starting December 2nd. Also, physical editions will be available for order the same day, making it a nice little Christmas present idea for the kombucha-loving horror fan in your life.

Kombucha is available on Digital Platforms & Blu-ray/DVD December 2, 2025.

Details

Written & Directed By: Jake Myers
Starring: Terrance Carey, Claire McFadden, Paige Bourne