Stricken

STRICKEN is a modern, thinker's thriller. When we left the theater after viewing, we, like many other viewers, were so excited and happy. Stricken was like a beloved yet terrifying Alfred Hitchcock film, filled with twists and turns, never allowing you to figure out the story until the triumphant climax at the end. This is no slasher film, but a poignant treatise on honor, loyalty and self sacrificial caring for other people, even when faced with unspeakable evil. A woman sitting next to me was hiding her head under her coat during the film and later told me STRICKEN was, "...The scariest film I have ever seen." The story is deep and the characters very full and round. Stars David Fine (Pursuit of Happiness, Sweet November), and Stephanie French, give powerful performances that pull the viewer in, motivating us to really care about them. The Direction of the award winning script by Matt Sconce shows focused attention to detail. Tasteful camera movement and shrewd use of lighting for conveying mood in each scene are trademark Sconce direction, and the film is very artistic. As Sconce was also the writer of the screenplay, one can see STRICKEN as his canvas for that beautiful work of art. The musical score is beyond masterful, and Composer James Merkey is a 'John Williams' before anyone knows he is a genius. Special effects are flawless and help tell the story, rather than distracting the viewer. Stricken is one of those films that rarely comes along: A great, interesting, and exciting lower budget film that holds its end up with the big boys. One young lady had seen four films before STRICKEN the week we watched it and said, "STRICKEN, by far, is the best film I have seen all week" That says it all.