Unreported

I had the opportunity to view an early "film festival ready" version of "Unreported," a low-budget independent film by first-time screenwriter and director Jason E. Barnes. Barnes also plays a character in the story (Gary Ross).

The story centers around a character by the name of Justin Lake, a middle class executive who resides in Los Angeles who is a handsome womanizer type who has more than his fair share of female companions to choose from.

One of his past erotic liaisons becomes somewhat of a 'stalker' type, and begins hounding him for attention and companionship. When Justin attempts to be hard-line with this woman in letting her know that he no longer has any interest in sharing her company in any type of romantic and/or sexual manner, this is when the story gets going and becomes very interesting.

I will resist the temptation to give away any 'spoilers,' but the film has a good pacing to it, a wide array of characters, and some unexpected plot points. This film is a very good first-time effort by up-and-coming filmmaker Jason E. Barnes. Barnes is bold enough to venture into dramatic territory that not too many novice filmmakers would even think about diving into.

I would recommend this film to those moviegoers who like 'edgy, dark' films that don't always conclude with a 'happy' ending.