Static Codes

I was on the lookout for some indie magic, and bam, Static Codes hit me right in the feels. It ain't flawless, but let me tell you, it's a dope little sci-fi joint with mad heart. The story goes like this: Years post some traumatic event, this dude's claiming his wifey got snatched up by aliens, and now he's drowning in loneliness, ready to call it quits. This film brings a unique vibe I haven't seen anywhere else. The family dynamic between the daughter and Shane's old man character? Straight fire. "Static Codes" is the kinda flick I'd throw at my peeps when they're craving something fresh with a killer story and some real dramatic chops.

Confused about my rating? Take a quick look at all the high rating reviews. Those reviewers only rated 1 movie, this one. Smells like family/friends artificially jacking up IMDB.

If you are looking for something that has ANYTHING to do with SciFi keep moving as this one barely has one early 'alien' scene and from then on its just the ravings of the lead character.

So let's get to a real review. If you are looking for an essentially one-man drama you might like this. Being fair, the acting and camera work are slightly better than average than most low budget films I have seen, although that is not saying much as more scenes than not are only in the leads house.

In reality I am having issues giving this a good review. The dialogue is shoddy with a very basic script and the scripting/directing is pedestrian at best. Of course this doesn't fit with the movie's focus, which is essentially a ONE-MAN drama. If you want something like that to be ANY good it has to be rock solid, which this isn't.

Strengths to this movie are: Cinematography, set design and actor performances - all top-notch. This movie raises the bar technically speaking for low-budget indie scifi movies. A disabled older man, alienated from his daughter, who lost his wife in a UFO abduction years ago hosts a daily stream/podcast. He is a notorious drinker who is haunted by what happened to alter his life. The strained relationship between father/daughter is the heart of the movie. Some cool UFO effects during the final confrontation/finale. The government forces add tension and suspense. Worth watching, it's head and shoulders above the competition!

This is a well made movie!

The acting is solid with a few exceptions. The pace, editing and directing are great. The movie has a nice twist or two and the writing is strong enough to allow the movie to have a little heart without seeming like a Lifetime movie of the week.

Couple things that stuck out: Shane Woodson carries the film from start to finish. He has a scene or two that don't completely work, but overall he is excellent. Mike Ferguson is also really good in his role. I kind of felt like Taryn Manning phoned it in a little, but although she is probably the biggest name in the movie she is actually only in it for five minutes or so.

This was a nice surprise that I stumbled across on Amazon Prime! Well worth the $2.99.

Static Codes is an engaging and truly unique film in the Sci-Fi genre. After a man's wife is abducted by aliens, he becomes obsessed with finding her. I thought the special effects were fantastic in this movie, for example, having a face come out of a screen is very difficult to pull off, so hats off to the special effects team. I think the cinematography was outstanding, especially during the night scenes, and I was super impressed by the drone shots in particular, clearly the work of an excellent drone operator. I liked the soundtrack too. This movie is raw and doesn't shy away from human struggles.