I recently had the opportunity to view this film as part of a festival submission, and I must admit-I was completely taken aback by the level of craftsmanship, emotional depth, and narrative control on display. Going into it, I knew it was a student production, but nothing could have prepared me for the cinematic experience that unfolded before me. What I witnessed wasn't just a promising student project-it was a bold, mature, and hauntingly effective piece of storytelling that could easily stand alongside the work of seasoned independent filmmakers.
As someone deeply committed to supporting and promoting artistic expression throughout Appalachia, I've seen many talented works that speak to the region's heart, struggle, and resilience. But what this filmmaker, Samuel Felinton, has accomplished goes far beyond what I've come to expect from emerging voices. He has taken the craft of filmmaking to a new level, blending regional authenticity with a powerful cinematic vision that grabs your attention and refuses to let go. It's rare to see a young artist create something that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant-and even rarer to do so with such technical skill and emotional intelligence.
I wholeheartedly believe this film is going to make an impact. There's a buzz about it already, and it deserves every bit of attention it gets. The storytelling is fresh and daring, anchored by a twist that left me stunned-it's the kind of jolt I haven't felt since first seeing Parasite, or even going back as far as The Sixth Sense. Just when you think you know where it's headed, the film pivots in a way that redefines everything that came before it. It's smart, risky, and unforgettable.
I'm genuinely excited to see this film on the big screen, where it belongs-and even more thrilled to watch Samuel Felinton's journey as a filmmaker continue. If this is just the beginning, then Appalachian cinema-and the independent film scene as a whole-has a new voice to watch.
