Transient

Ever wondered what Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind was like if it were a horror film? Well, Transient fits the bill.

Full disclosure, I was a backer for this, and I know some of the people involved, so I might be a little biased, but then again, who isn't? That said, they didn't disappoint. But if there's one critique I could give, it's that it could've gone harder and more visceral, such as with the blood, gore, sex, and nudity, which could be boiled down to budget, among other things, yet this is a good start, and I'm in for whatever's next.

Also, nice placement of the book UBIK on the desk. I'm ashamed to say I've yet to read it, but it's on the list. I share the same first name as Philip K. Dick. And you can't spell "philosophical" without PHIL.

What I loved most about this movie was its general accuracy as far as movie fantasy goes, and how it escalates the suspense over time.

The accuracy was pretty good for neural networks, AI, and I liked the nod to Karl Friston's "active inferencing" they drew out for the characters on the dry erase board.

The ending caught me by surprise a little, so that is always good!

Generally believable performances, solid supporting actors and the leads did "bro-tech" pretty well.

The movie itself is a mix between Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and a kind of Flatliners. I kind of dig how they mashed it together.

I wish there was a sequel.

Transient is nothing short of dynamic. It's lofty, dark and brooding. Well-paced and written with depth, Chris Ruppert's vision shines and glitches through inventive storytelling. A stellar cast with chops, it stars Greg Poppa, Sugey Cruz, and Eric Frances Melaragni as each deliver gripping performances offering edge of your seat character studies juxtaposed against the backdrop of the perils of technology used for dire purposes. The work is easily reminiscent of other science fiction classics that push boundaries, such as Flatliners and Dead Ringers. Do yourself a favor and view this film now!

This was a glitchy, trippy sci-fi drama/thriller feature film in all the best ways! Incredible cinematography, vibes, and production design really grounded you in the story and the production did an excellent job of achieving a lot with very little resources--scaling the screenplay properly to tell an engaging story with just a few characters within a small amount of locations. Transient poses some interesting questions, too, exploring themes about the ethics of dwelling on memories and the lengths we go to when we wish to avoid conflict.

Chris Ruppert and Sugey Cruz put together an amazing story with Transient and put together an excellent cast and crew to bring the film to life.

"Transient" is a hidden gem in the sci-fi thriller genre that showcases how ingenuity and talent can transcend budget constraints. Despite its low budget, this film delivers an experience that rivals big-budget productions in both quality and storytelling.

The plot of "Transient" is compelling, weaving a narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. It explores some classic sci-fi and thriller themes in a way that feels fresh and original. The twists and turns are well-executed, keeping the audience guessing and engaged.

The acting in "Transient" is exceptional. The cast delivers performances that are both believable and captivating. Each character is well-developed, and the actors bring a depth to their roles that adds significant emotional weight to the story.

The film's editing is top-notch, seamlessly blending the impressive locations and cast to create a visually stunning experience. The pacing is slow but tense, with each scene contributing to the overall tone and mystery. The cinematography deserves special mention as well, as it makes the most of the film's settings, creating an atmosphere that is both immersive and eerie.

One of the most impressive aspects of "Transient" is how it looks like a bigger-budget film. The production team clearly knew how to maximize their resources, resulting in high-quality visuals and sound that enhance the storytelling rather than detract from it. The attention to detail in the set design, costumes, and special effects is evident and adds to the overall polished feel of the movie.

In conclusion, "Transient" is a testament to what can be achieved with passion, talent, and a clear vision. It's a must-watch for fans of sci-fi thrillers and anyone who appreciates a well-crafted story. Don't let its low budget fool you-this film is a thrilling ride that proves you don't need a massive budget to create something truly special.