tom_whelehan Reviews

Brace (2015)

Hard-hitting drama; life is not all happy endings

[9 April 2014]

BRACE is a touch look at the all-too-real world still confronting LBGTs and their extended circle of friends and family. Writer, producer, actor Jake Graf and co-directors Sophy H and Alicya Eyo have tackled the uncomfortable reality that despite legal protection, true acceptance is still a long way off.

Brilliant tech work (shot in 5 days!) and layered characters bring the fear and longing of self-acceptance, new love and the frightening exposure to violence to the screen but (thankfully) does not opt for the happy ending.

This is must-see viewing for every school programme and outreach service.

Romantic Hideaway (I) (2012)

Not for the squeamish

[9 April 2013]

I screened RH at SHORTFILM at the Troubadour in London, UK on 8 April 2013. It was one of 10 films selected to be shown at the monthly event and filled the drama/horror genre. Prior to it being shown, I, the host, intro'd the film by stating that ATW is a dir. who's not afraid to tackle darker subjects that are all too real in this world, etc, etc..and warned the viewers, "It's not for the squeamish." I stood at the back of the club and watched their reactions. Everyone was enthralled. The music, pacing, murky setting was very well-balanced. The male lead was a bit laboured/contrived but the female lead was all too convincing, much better than the run-of-the-mill horror victim, and could have all too easily slipped into standard slasher screamer. The film owes a great deal to her performance.

Good use of tight space in her cell. While it relied on some cliché images, overall, the weight of the experience conveyed itself successfully. Our audience was silent throughout and cheered when she fought back and were a bit breathless at the cliffhanger ending. All on the edge of their seats.

It may have added to their shock as I showed RH at the beginning of the 2nd block of films after the first break which had followed a quirky comedy film. So the impact was more profound.

When I re-took the stage, I said, "See, I told you so... think she gets away? You'll just have to wait for the feature to find out." They genuinely want to see that. So it's got mileage.

We had an audience vote for Best Film of the night and it garnered quite a few. I would've appreciated it if the director or someone from the prodtn. were at the screening as it is our usual rule of thumb to show films only by those who attend and support other filmmakers present, but it was good enough to show on the night and def. filled a category that all too often can be shlocky.

All in all a brave effort and I look forward to the feature length version! Good luck!