Demise

Film, movies, cinema, Hollywood, the dream factory. The whole business has come to a pretty pass when B-movie dross like DEMISE can get itself reviewed in a national newspaper. Disney's atrocious Snow White reboot having failed so spectacularly a Jason Statham actioner outlasted it at the box office, and with Mine Craft being excoriated as we speak, is it any wonder any thing, any little thing that seems remotely related to people and their problems can get industry attention. Even amateurish junk like this.

DEMISE begins with the sound of sexy time, lady's heels scattered on the carpet, man's shoes sat neatly side-by-side. We then see the lady riding high with her undies still on. Admittedly we are talking classy lingerie, but still, one senses we're in Hollywood prudish infantilisation territory. Subsequent clinches don't become any more explicit, nor realistic.

The opening titles wouldn't look wholly out of place on a James Bond movie, if Bond was no longer a spy and merely a gigolo. (Who knows, maybe that's where the franchise will go in the future. Double-Oh Demise, perhaps?) Later we get generic Spanish guitar during one quickie (17 secs, in real time), and generic videogame music, Super Mario maybe, around the 45 minute mark. The music, like the editing, like the dialogue, is a muddle. And what dialogue!

• Wow. Tonight was such fun. I think we needed that.

• I had SO MUCH fun.

Who talks like that with their wife, after dinner and nookie? Do people have 'date nights' when they're still childless? From the first words one senses that Demise is not predicated on life experiences but on genre recognition. The dialogue sounds like it could have been written by, you guessed it, AI.

• Fiona! Look, I know you think you're getting the short end of the stick here.

• You're right. I AM getting the short end of the stick.

(The short end of the stick?) Demise has been compared in the press to 1990s era skin flicks, bonkbusters, T&A movies, only now we have to cope with computer-generated dialogue and what could be intimacy-coordinator-coordinated sex scenes. Even movies like Animal Instincts had better dialogue than Demise.

• Well don't worry, I didn't f*** him in my new dress.

• You BETTER not have.

• I took it off first.

• OOh! I probably deserved that.

(Was that meant to be a witty scolding?) You get the point. I'll have to presume the writer/director is a breather and not a bot, and let's face it, plenty of Hollywood 'content' is based not upon observation of lived experience but rather upon genre pictures, brand recognition. Just as AI works by recycling what's already out there, so can real life human beings, possessing more ambition than talent.

DEMISE deserves to be studied in film schools. Much can be learned from such fare.

"Demise," the latest thriller by the talented Yara Estrada, is a masterful exploration of love, loyalty, and the intricate webs we weave in our lives. Estrada, a seasoned actor who has transitioned into filmmaking, has poured her heart and soul into this project, and it shows in every frame. Her debut feature film showcases her extraordinary ability to blend emotional depth with intense drama, resulting in a cinematic experience that grips you from start to finish.

The film follows Caleb Castillo, portrayed by the compelling Carlo Mendez, a man torn between his obligations and his desires. The intricate relationships between Caleb, his wife Celine (played by the powerful Liz Fenning), and the charismatic fashion designer Fiona (brought to life by Crystal Hernandez) drive the narrative forward, creating a tension-filled atmosphere that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats.

Estrada's direction is nothing short of visionary. She deftly navigates the complex narrative, ensuring that each character's journey is portrayed with authenticity and sensitivity. The film's pacing is impeccable, maintaining a perfect balance between suspense and emotional resonance. The vibrant cinematography and meticulous attention to detail further elevate the storytelling, making every scene visually captivating.

What sets "Demise" apart is Estrada's passion and dedication to her craft. Having been an actor for many years, she brings a unique understanding of character development and storytelling to her directorial debut. Her personal touch is evident in every frame, reflecting her deep connection to the story and characters. This film is a testament to her perseverance and commitment to bringing her vision to life.

In addition to the stellar performances and exceptional direction, the film's soundtrack and production design are noteworthy. They seamlessly complement the narrative, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

"Demise" is a testament to Yara Estrada's talent and vision. It is a compelling, heart-wrenching tale that will leave you reflecting long after the credits roll. For fans of intense dramas with a touch of noir, "Demise" is an absolute must-watch.

Estrada has undoubtedly made a significant mark with this film, and we eagerly anticipate her future projects. Her ability to craft such a poignant and thrilling story in her directorial debut is truly commendable. "Demise" is not just a film; it's a powerful cinematic journey that showcases the brilliance of a passionate filmmaker.

I love a good date night movie with lies, deceit and lots of twists and turns. If you do too you will love this movie. This is the directorial debut for Yara Estrada Lowe and she does a terrific job. She captures the genre perfectly and gives us a spicy dramatic tale. She also wrote this movie which is all the more impressive. It moves along at a nice pace and has just the right amount of suspense and twists. The cast is great lead by Carlo Mendez who gives a great performance. Without giving anything away he really had me wondering if his character was a nice guy who was confused or just a womanizing jerk. Liz Fenning and Crystal Hernandez are also very strong as the female leads. I recommend this movie and can't wait to see what Yara does next.

This movie offers a truly fantastic storyline, packed with imaginative twists and turns that keep you guessing throughout. The plot is both creative and original, making it a standout in its genre. While the film is compelling, I believe the runtime could have been trimmed slightly to maintain a tighter pace, which would have enhanced the overall experience. Additionally, a bit more focus on character development-particularly exploring the motivations of one of the main characters earlier on-could have added an extra layer of depth to the story.

The acting, for the most part, was a highlight, with several strong performances that brought the characters to life. However, the portrayal of the wife felt a little over the top at times, which momentarily pulled me out of the movie's otherwise immersive atmosphere. Even so, the film as a whole delivered an entertaining and memorable journey, showcasing a creative approach to storytelling that deserves recognition.

What I loved most about this film was how it evoked memories of one of my all-time favorites, "The Hand That Rocks the Cradle." Writer and director Yara Estrada Lowe masterfully blends elements of suspense and psychological intrigue, crafting a modern-day, more seductive thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat. With its captivating storyline and intense performances, this movie promises an unforgettable cinematic experience that's perfect for a thrilling night in with your significant other. Even better, the movie grows on you with each viewing, revealing new layers and nuances that make it even more compelling the second or third time around.