Erzulie

Full disclosure, I provided DCP services to the film, so did see the film in a full theatrical screening. However, I'm not affiliated with the film production and my review is my honest take.

As I work on a lot of indie film, Erzulie stands out of from the crowd with a creative, cool take on the mermaid myth. It takes the basic monster in the wild story and gives it an authentic and female-centric approach that is both engaging to watch and nice meta commentary on how this myth has played out in other films.

The strengths of the film are the quality cast, both leads and supporting characters, the nice design of the mermaid and the quality direction that moves the story along, builds the characters and maintains tension.

The technical quality exceeds the budget range and it's devoid of the often found failings of low-budget films: cinematography, edit, sound, music and color are all well executed and don't distract from watching. While I would not call one of the best films ever made, it's better than almost films in this budget range and better than a lot of big budget flicks.

If you like female-centric films with a fresh twist on a classic film genre, it's a solid choice.

Erzulie has made a name for itself as a mermaid movie or black mermaid movie, but the story is much deeper. Beyond the "funny business" is the story of four long-time female friends, each of whom are facing their own dark waters. While each woman experiences their own unique trials and tribulations, their common belief in avenging the societal oppressions felt by women everywhere prove that hell hath no fury as a woman scorned.

The men in this film seem like caricatures, but we all know someone like them: self-centered, short-sighted, and dim-witted. At every turn of the suspenseful story you are hoping that karma bites these butts in the ass.

Watch this film with your tribe and an open mind.

For an indie film, the cinematography, writing, acting, etc. Are done quite well in Erzulie. I'm a man and typically prefer masculine protagonists, but I found this journey of young women fun and appropriate for the story. I don't want to give away too much more, because I believe Erzulie should be experienced minute-by-minute as a film. So go give it a chance! On a final note, Christine Chen is clearly a solid filmmaker, and I'm looking forward to seeing what she does next.

A unique and fun movie done in an untraditional way. It stand outs out from other films like it, and feels like it has its own voice.

The Leila Scott Annastasia Scott sells her mermaid performance very well. She brings a mystical element to it that's difficult to pull off.

Furthermore, The rest of the cast also delivers.

The camera work makes the movie feel so much bigger than what the filmmakers made it for. Clever use of space, landscape and movement.

I'd recommend this film to all movie lovers, especially if you're a fan of the Hatchet films. Good acting, good sets, good camera work, good movie.

This film has some throwback vibes. Feels old school nostalgic-friend reunion movie with some twist and turns. And who doesn't love a cool mermaid?! Think of Now and Then, but add a mermaid. Or Goonies. Could have flowed better in spots and had a clearer message by the end. Like a bit of too many themes at once, but I liked what it was trying to accomplish. Just could have been executed little better story wise. Has some good comedic moments. Interested to see if sequel or not. Overall, enjoyable though!! So if you're in the mood for a fantasy like thriller and love mermaids, give it a watch!!