This is not a bad effort, it cost $7500. It has a few weaknesses that will be mentioned later. The story itself is actually really interesting, and takes a turn I didn't expect, in a really good way, but it is dragged down by the afformentioned problems. This is mostly a psychological drama, it is not a thriller, and it isn't horror. It explores some interesting issues, some of which I wont mention due to spoilers, but it did explore a typical topic and in a slightly different way, and at least broke 1 or 2 cliches, although it certainly happily roles along a wave of other cliches, these things don't kill the film. I wanted it to be better, but it held my attention the whole way through, even with the issues mentioned below. I would rate it, because of that, slightly above average, so 5.5.
1. The sound is inconsistent, and it is obvious mics were not used, but on the positive side, there is no really bad overdubs, so I would personally prefer some slight quiet audio over really awful overdubbing. It is most noticeable in any scene with the head Doctor of the Asylum, but it is prevalent in every scene she is in, I believe this is due to nerves. I did theater for a few years, and most people who are new to acting are afraid to speak up or drop their sentences, as she does. Yes, this is something the director should have rectified, but it, for me, it doesn't kill the movie. 2. The acting of the lead doctor is pretty sophmoric,, it does drag every scene she is in. The other acting isn't amazing, but it is passable, the lead actor actually does a good job overall, and his role is not an easy one. 3. The music is just a tad too loud in some scenes, though the music itself is good, if a little generic, it is well-made. 4. The script could have been a bit stronger, which would have helped make up for the other flaws. It isn't bad, but some of the dialog is a bit wooden, even when the delivery is good, it sometimes just sounds really off. I would have liked a little more clarity on his sister, there was not enough clarity on her for some something that was a fairly significant plot point. 5.The lighting isn't bad, but it is obviously that little or no supplemental lighting was used, and this does hurt the quality of the picture in some places. Although Cody Clarke, another low-budget director happily flaunts his "no supplemental lighting", so I guess it isn't negative per say because it doesn't really hurt the film.
Despite these things, I still really liked the movie and a week later, it has still stuck in my mind, I can't say I recommend it per say, but I do not regret watching it, so take that as you will. I enjoyed the lead actor, and the main character he plays is actually pretty likeable and easy to empathize with, despite some of his questionable choices. He comes across as just a regular guy who got hit by some hard times, and he genuinely care about his family, despite some of those bad choices, you could see that he wanted to change and work things out. If the lead actor was really that bad, I just would not have felt anything for this character, but he did a really good job, and I would say his performance, though not perfect, really saves this film.
God Bless ~Amy
