I had the pleasure of attending the world premiere of this film as it was shown at the scifiweekender on the 19th March. There was a good crowd of over 800 people in the arena to watch. The film was introduced by director Tom Paton.
Initial credits came on, and already we were treated to a powerful soundtrack starting. The film opened, and we were taken straight into the story. I won't talk about what happened, or write spoilers, but as per the description, we were introduced to Eiren, Ares and Thade and their quest to become leader of the Varosha tribe.
I'll break my review from here into sections:
Cinematography:
This film was shot, as stated, using 20,000 ISO in ultra low light. Technically, I don't understand that personally, however, after speaking with Tom on my podcast, and hearing him on the Q&A, I appreciate what this meant. The film was shot at night, outdoors, over 11 days. No stages or studios. Purely all done outdoors. At night. This could prove problematic with getting ambiance right, but the DOP and team perfected it. Not once did I have to squint at the screen to work out what was happening, which I find myself doing now and then on films shot at night. It was perfectly done. The use of a swooping shot over the woods occasionally, to show the expanse of where they were, and the mountains, were executed very well, and at the right timings throughout, and not over-done.
Screen writing: The script was powerful. yet not overly complicated. We were introduced at times to the Varoshan language, which provided comedic moments. The use of this was also limited, and not overdone, so no constant reading of sub-titles, but enough to know these guys were of a different background.
Soundtrack:
Absolutely blown away by the soundtrack. It was superb. The suspense was kept up, and the music, for which escapes me at this moment, was perfect! It was really powerful, it boomed across the room, and after the premiere, in the Q&A it was one of the many things that people mentioned as being excellent, and questions asked whether it would be released on CD.
Acting:
This is the one that got me the most. I have come to know the actors through my podcast chat show, and have had them on at various times, so I was keen to watch them in action finally. I was not disappointed, quite the opposite, I actually felt emotional watching them on screen, and for the roles they played.
Luke D'Silva commanded his scenes, and showed true power and screen presence
Marc Zammit as Ares, very well played character, again, like the others, you were drawn in, and had that screen presence - not all is at it appears.
Adam Bond as Thades, showed the compassionate one, and you really warmed to Thades throughout the film.
Jade Hobday as Eiran, in her first role, you could never tell. She dominated the screen with natural presence, and power.
The same is said for Laura Howard as Flinn. If I had not previously known, I would not have known this was a first role for her either. Absolutely brilliant job, well done.
Bentley Kalu is a man mountain. I can't say anymore, but the guy was so powerful in presence.
Direction:
The direction was done extremely well, and full credit to Tom Paton. The film flowed seamlessly and to direct a film over 11 nights, in the dark, in woods, and make it look like it did, takes the work of a talented director, and it worked very well.
Overall:
Overall I would personally give this a 5 star rating. I thoroughly enjoyed it from start to finish. I've seen many films of this genre, and not all "grab me". This one did. I felt connected with the cast, and felt with them throughout their journey. I highly recommend that people go and see this film, either at the cinema, or the other media of Bluray, DVD, or VOD all out at the same time. (another UK first)
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