The Seeding

Conceptually I actually found this quite intriguing but unfortunately it didn't go much of anywhere. It almost felt like it was cosplaying as some cerebral art piece, an allegory for something bigger and seemingly profound... yet barely had much substance let alone a real payoff.

I definitely would've loved a bit more background and lore, generally pushing it away from that up in the air, confusing, slow burn vibe. Which it was most certainly slow moving... interestingly atmospheric at times for sure, but generally a tad belabored.

There was something about the lead male's acting that wasn't there for me either. The intention and drive behind it were apparent, but it didn't quite land on the side of convincing for me. I think there was something intriguing at the root of this experience but all in all it felt a bit undercooked. I don't think I would say it was an unentertaining experience by any means, it just didn't end up being super special. Still can't say it was bad so I would aloofly recommend.

I almost didn't watch this, based on several reviews here. After watching, I could understand how the bleak story could divide viewers. Though depressing, I found myself immersed in the situation.

I love the desert, so the setting immediately sucked me in. Though mostly limited to a house in a hole, it made for a fairly dramatic set piece. I'll need to search out how this was achieved.

I was also drawn to the character of Alina. I was wondering why she was so quiet and calm, while the main guy was freaking out. She seemed both disconnected and alluring.

Technically, it was very competent. Good cinematography, wonderfully eerie music. Overall, the movie did a great job of making me believe that this place could exist.

Usually, I try to look at the upsides to every movie I watch. I really tried to do the same for movie, but it just made it so incredibly hard to so do. I mean, who was the target audience for this movie? Horror fans aren't going to like it, it's not a drama and it certainly isn't a comedy, so whom exactly was this film meant to appease? No one is going to like this movie because there is nothing about it worth liking. Aside from the awesome cinematography and the performance of the lead male actor (a performance wasted on this embarrassment of a film), there is nothing else that is even remotely worth commending.

Even writing this review, I found myself growing increasingly agitated at having wasted almost 2 hours watching a film that ultimately made no sense, and really didn't enrich my life in the end. My goal in watching movies is to find something that inspires me, or at least helps me see things in new and interesting perspectives. All this movie managed to do was frustrate me and annoy me in equal measure, and I would not recommend anyone watch this movie, no matter how bored or devoid of content you seem to be. It is a meritless endeavor that will take more from you than it is willing to give, and I implore each of you considering watching this movie to read a book instead. You will find much more value in the written word than wasting you time with movies that do not respect it.

This movie gets 3 stars for the cinematography and the magnificent acting by the male lead.

As an aside, there is a novel I read a long time ago titled "Woman in the Dunes" by the author Kobo Abe. The gist of that novel is very similar to what happens in this movie. I'd consider reading that book instead of watching this movie. You will have a much better time. I promise.

Wyndham Stone (Scott Haze) gets lost in remote wilderness. He is rescued by a woman (Kate Lyn Sheil) living at the bottom of a canyon. He gets hurt trying to climb the canyon wall. Then he is harassed and trapped by a group of young people.

This reminds me very much of 70's Ozploitation. Quite frankly, I thought they may be Aussies trying not to do their accent. That has to be the motif that filmmaker Barnaby Clay was shooting for. It succeeds at that. The movie is off-putting in all that right ways. It has a tiny location. It is simplistic, crude, and basic. Don't look for more or complexity.

For those who are big fans of unusual or artsy horror/thrillers, I found that I had predicted the outcome after around 15 minutes- which was overall a shame. Whilst well created, with some beautiful scenes and building tension- it all just seemed pointless considering the plot "twist" was poorly hidden.

If you like stories that are a little bit "weird" than it might be up your ally as you may be surprised, but for those of you out there who are avid fans, I personally found the film forgettable.

There were also some story line aspects that weren't really followed up on/discussed- this feels like the main attempt to "hide" the outcome but in my opinion, makes the outcome more obvious.