Chameleon

I would say I've watched my fair share of true crime documentaries, series, movies, podcasts. When I think of the ones I've seen, Chameleon defies the conventions of a typical serial killer movie. Offering a unique glimpse into the mind of The serial killer and prompting the viewer to ponder how an ordinary individual can lead a double life.

Which seems pretty usual right? What distinguishes Chameleon from other serial killer movies is its thoughtful portrayal of the main character, allowing the audience to grasp his transformation. The narrative unfolds gradually, building tension and culminating in a twist that leaves the viewer intrigued and eager for more.

The film's visuals and sound effectively transport the viewer into the scene, subverting expectations and delivering unexpected surprises. I would definitely recommend a blanket and a dark room so you can immerse yourself into this movie. 10/10 recommend!!!

Disclaimer: I'm in this film. But if anything, I tend to judge my own projects even harsher than I do those I'm uninvolved with, so...

Cinematography is gorgeous and intentional. Visually interesting and at times absolutely mesmerizing. The score if perfectly done. Both of these aspects are shown off right from the opening credit sequence and continue throughout the film.

For the story, this film felt like a steam engine. It starts just a little slow but if you stay on the ride, you feel the momentum mounting and before you know it, you're wanting to binge an entire series of it (hint to a big studio).

The characters were well cast and especially carried by leads Henry Held and Steve Garland. The moments of dark humor sprinkled into the movie were a pleasant surprise and very welcomed in the ever building tension.

I'm not going to spoil it with further thoughts but this is definitely worth the watch. It left me some haunting and powerful scenes to remember.

I reserve 10 star reviews for a handful of films, this isn't one of them, but it's pretty damn close.

Finally, a serial killer origin story that's not cartoonish in its creep factor.

Too many "serial killer" films and shows take the character of the Serial Murderer and turn it into a mustache twisting, hand wringing, thin smile that licks its lips while watching women walk home. When you watch an interview with actual serial killers they are often clam and seem fairly normal, they just happen to kill people as their "hobby".

Chameleon takes this concept and brings it to the forefront of your attention and shows what can happen when a person who is hyper focused and supremely bored with the humdrum of modern life discovers something they never thought possible; the ultimate hobby.

The writing here takes center stage in a way most films cannot compete with. The dialogue feels grounded in reality and the plot takes twists and turns that, while surprising, make logical sense. The story feels like a roller coaster ride that while starts slow, gets exciting quickly and doesn't seem to end when you think it does. Like Knoll's desire to stay on his "roller coaster", I too did not want to get off this ride.

Slasher or Serial Killer flicks routinely put the violence on a pedestal and often times even bathe in it. Chameleon, however, takes a different approach with its violence and in doing so leaves a truly haunting impression that will stay with you long after the credits have ended.

If you are a fan of slasher films, serial killer films, or thrillers in general I highly recommend you check this one out. The grounded nature of this film will leave you guessing if what you just saw was actually a movie.

As a final note, I will say that what held this film back, for me, was that final little "polish" that films with significantly higher budgets have. Having worked in the film and "seen how the cookies are made", I am however incredibly biased both in favor of the films strengths as well as against it's "weaknesses". I look forward to what Andrew Dean will cook up next with great enthusiasm.