Change Your Image
stayed-up-late
Reviews
One Night (2021)
An earnest and personable slice-of-life journey
I enjoy watching indie films that aren't trying to replicate Hollywood, and One Night is one such movie that takes us on an earnest and personable slice-of-life journey that might otherwise be overlooked by a big studio. The performances from the lead characters are engaging and the visual look of the film is surprisingly good for what is obviously a modest production. There are however inconsistencies in the sound, but given the compelling nature of everything else, these shortcomings are easily forgiven. All said and done, One Night is a thought-provoking drama about being faced with relationship choices.
The Haunted Hotel (2021)
A fun anthology
I love anthology movies and was especially pleased to find one from the UK as they have such great character actors. Having a bunch of different directors worked well, keeping each segment feeling fresh while keeping within a stylistically coherent backdrop.
It Hits You When You Know It (2020)
Charming and engaging
I thoroughly enjoyed this exploration of group friendship dynamics and how people do or don't change over time. Despite being a limited location film, things move along without ever feeling claustrophobic. The great cast make for charming and engaging indie viewing.
Char Man (2019)
An enjoyable indie comedy with some creepy moments
I think a lot of these reviews are plagued by unreasonable expectations, like found footage films are only successful if they're Blair Witch scary. Char Man isn't a scare-you-to-death horror, it's an enjoyable indie comedy with some creepy moments.
Spoken (2021)
a pretty decent outing
If you're into indie film then you know not to expect a Hollywood veneer. And as far as indie horror movies go, this one is a pretty decent outing. I'll be interested to see where this first-timer's career goes next.
The Berlin Bride (2019)
gothic surrealist arthouse gem
Wow, I wasn't expecting this. The Berlin Bride is a gothic surrealist arthouse gem fresh from a time-capsule. The look and feel, combined with the excellent musical score had me captivated until the end. This film reminded me of a Dario Argento experience, in the sense that the director has a unique sense of vision, paying respect to the new wave while running parallel to contemporary cinema. If you give yourself into it, you'll be rewarded.
Killer Concept (2021)
The right dose
Not only does Killer Concept offer a unique take on its subject matter, but it punches well above its indie filmmaking weight in terms of performances and production values. Overall, an enjoyable movie that delivers the familiar and the unexpected in the right dose.
Chasing After You (2019)
Engaging film with solid performances
A sweet theological film about relationships. Engaging to watch, and with solid performances, I particularly enjoyed the non-sensationalist social realism style that you don't see in a lot of American movies.
An Intervention (2021)
A madhouse
A funny mockumentary much in the same vein as Christopher Guest. Given the indie nature of this movie, the performances are surprisingly well measured and authentic to the style. I especially liked the well-placed straight guy in what is otherwise a madhouse. I look forward to seeing what this director does next.