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.

"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.

A tight, well-paced script with a twist I truly couldn't predict. For such a small filmmaking team with presumably little resources, they really accomplished a lot with a little. As a psychosexual thriller, you can really see the thought and care they put into every action and shot, really doing their part to demonstrate the need for intimacy coordinators on set for any film with intimate scenes, since they utilized one so effectively per the credits. Add to that a very effective (but not too intrusive) score and some spooky performances from the actors and you have a great addition to the revenge thriller genre.

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.

"Perfectly Good Moment" is a mesmerizing psychosexual thriller that will leave you breathless and craving more. Reminiscent with themes familiar with "Black Mirror," the film showcases stellar performances, expert direction, and a captivating storyline. It stands out as a must-watch for fans of the genre. Stephen Carlile and Amanda Stern deliver exceptional performances, bringing their characters to life in a way that is both seductive and unsettling. This film is a testament to the power of cinema to delve into the darkest corners of the human mind while providing a captivating and thought-provoking experience. Don't miss the chance to be enthralled by the intensity and intrigue of "Perfectly Good Moment."