Perfectly Good Moment

This movie was watching the same empty dialogue on repeat while being held hostage by two unrealistic characters for an hour waiting for a plot. The "twist" in the movie was predictable, but what I could have never predicted was how long it took for them to get to the reveal. In all fairness, Stephen Carlile was unsettling and held the film on his shoulders as he wasn't given much to work off of from the screenwriter/lead actress. But alas, it was not enough to save this 72 minute movie.

The syfy aspects of the movie were undercooked and not enough to make the movie interesting or suspenseful. No trigger warnings no plot and a mirky message at best. Listen, I have seen my fair share of indie and low budget films but usually I can find the humor in them. This was just upsetting and confusing enough to the point that I felt the need to create an account and write a review. I would not recommend this movie to anybody but wish Stephen well.

Anyone who has an issue with the pacing of this film or the purported "lack of events" simply isn't an engaged viewer. There's so much detail built into the exposition of this film. All of the clues lie before us. Stern does a wonderful job of making what seems like an offhand comment or a random prop a major feature in the film's third act. It's definitely a masterclass in how to effectively use the idea of Chekov's Gun in storytelling. There's a delicious sense of slow burn in the first portion, and it is impeccably satisfying when it all comes together in a little revenge themed bow. Stern and Carlile have fantastic chemistry and create a dynamic that sends the viewer reeling. Impressive work all around and a true testament to what happens when you have a dedicated team behind an independent feature. Please fund all of their future endeavors.

Brilliant script from the lead actress Amanda Jane Stern.

A true star who shines throughout the thriller.

It's a shock she has not broken through in a bigger way as she is one of the most impressive young actresses I have seen come across the screen in the past two decades.

This is a low-budget independent movie in which the movie is entirely filmed on two sets. Stern and co-star Stephen Carlile are on the screen for nearly the entirety of the film.

Carlile is a talented actor as well, fitting the part with his British accent in which the script revolves around his chauvinistic attitude toward Stern - his love interest.

There is some snappy dialogue written by Stern - the kind you rarely see anymore which is reminiscent of a 1930's Jean Harlow movie or 1940's film noir.

Stern reminds me at times of Janet Gaynor, a young Jodie Foster or Anna Paquin.

There are some interesting twists and turns here. First class cinematography and great use of music.

The direction is first-rate.

I found this to be one of the best films I have seen in the last decade.

I have seen Stern in some smaller roles before and think she is one of the most hidden gems in the film world. She is a student of film who has studied the classics and has written and spoken about movies in-depthly.

She has the potential to be an actress/writer/director like Ida Lupino or Sophia Coppola.

I am interested to see what she comes up with next.

Amanda Jane Stern's feature "Perfectly Good Moment" is a smartly written, clever thriller with a twist you really don't see coming.

Stephen Carlile and Amanda Stern are completely believable in their roles as David and Ruby, and the two play off of each other well. The pacing is excellent and the film trim, keeping viewers engaged throughout, and the story's payoff is excellent. "Perfectly Good Moment" is an excellent, tightly paced indie and well worth a watch.

Worth mentioning that the film deals with domestic abuse, but in an entirely cathartic and ultimately satisfying way.

Bravo to the team behind it.

"Perfectly Good Moment," directed by Lauren Greenhall and starring Amanda Jane Stern and Steven Carlile, is a taut psychological thriller that explores the fine line between love and manipulation, trust and fear. Greenhall dives deep into the intricacies of a toxic relationship, portraying the escalating tension with remarkable subtlety and precision. Through her masterful storytelling, this indie gem unfolds as an intense character study, examining the dark recesses of control and emotional dependency in ways that are raw, relatable, and, at times, disturbingly authentic. The music is particularly effective in keeping viewers on edge. All in all a great film.