Moon Garden

Very, very small budget.

Plenty of talent and creativity involved.

We enter the world where a comatose girl trying to get out of her difficult "situation".

A *very* small girl (and her potentially great talent for acting after this role) And this fantastic world is not always such a great place. But there's a lot more to this than what I'm telling you.

By the end, it brought a tear to my eye.

I'm kinda still in love with this film. It was something really special. I hope it gets seen by more people. Yes, it's derivative at first look, but also done whofully originally.

I went in blind and I recommend you also do so, with an open mind.

Only then you'll see through the eyes of a child, with psychologically-infused tones, a miraculously well-done child fantasy and horror experience.

Well done to Ryan Stevens Harris and his crew. Amazing creativity and talent in creating something really special with so little money.

Well one could have lived (through this) without the song ... no pun intended. It is fitting to use of course when you think of the story and all that. Though still a weird bed time song to be sung by a mom. I do not blame her, she gives the best performance she I reckon. And while this is not an original song by Mariah Carey ... once you've heard her "version" ... it is not in the interest of anyone else to try to fill or try to recreate that. Yes I know nit-picking and all that, but I am writing a review and if I didn't mention it, I wouldn't feel right about it.

But enough about that - even though I am currently listening to it, while writing this ... ok I'll stop. The movie has some neat idea. It does not make a secret what or rather where it plays or gives you a big twist (oh that's where she was or what was happening in the "real" world). If you like fantasy, if you like to suspend your disbelief ... the movie does have some interesting and beautiful sets ... the girl ... let's say she is very young.

It would not be good or nice or anything to try to rate her or her performance by "normal" standards! She is especially good when she can freely express her emotions. Not all dialog works fine, but that is forgivable - or rather should be. That is up to you of course. In the end it may be a bit too long - too much lingering on some scenes, it could do with some tightening ... but it is a good movie to escape reality from ... and believe that there is something more ... after ... and in between.

This is sitting at a 6?! Thats a shame. If something with fairly low production values can still engage you and be visually stunning, that's an achievement. Add some very good acting and writing and you've got a classic. Kudos to young Haven Lee Harris, she carried an amazing, independent film extremely well on those little shoulders. Everyone else was great too so that is saying something. This is the kind of project Netflix or other streaming services should invest in. The filmmakers did an amazing job on what I can only assume is a shoestring budget. And yet I was dazzled by some seens in a way I rarely see in bigger budget films (the scene where the headless woman stands under the portraits comes to mind).

If you have been diagnosed with epilepsy or have ever had a seizure induced by strobe lights, this is NOT FOR YOU. If the idea of that is disturbing for you, even though you are not epileptic, this is NOT FOR YOU. The cinematographer was given the leeway to produce a film that is consistently jarring, from the moment the audience enters the 'fantasy world' - the film style flashes.and jumps in absurdly rapid stop motion. Used more sparingly, this could have been effective as a scare tactic, but as it is, it is over-utilized, hard to watch and ruins the experience. Further, the production values are such that portions of the fantasy world feel as though (and probably were) filmed in someone's basement, with discarded hot water heaters and the like used to create monsters, some of it I believe was actually the filming of some kid's diorama project; even for an Indie film, this feels low end, like a first time passion project, rather than a professional film.

All of that said, the young actress is phenomenal, showcasing a sense of wonder, even among the horror elements and carries the film, but could carry a good film with a stronger script and production. The very picture of innocence, in stark contrast to just about everything else portrayed. The mother is also absolutely terrifying, even when it's not the intention of the scene. The fantasy world actors surpass expectations, but...

I would avoid this director and the mother actress again at all costs. The last few minutes are an uplifting redemption arc for the film, but it's too little, too late, in terms of quality.

A cinematic blend of 90s rock music videos, offbeat horror, and contemporary video art, Moon Garden is a mind-bending visual feast that will leave you questioning reality.

As a seasoned film critic, I have had the privilege of witnessing a vast array of cinematic experiences. However, rarely do I encounter a film that so profoundly transports me to another realm, challenging my perceptions and igniting my imagination. Moon Garden, the directorial debut of Ryan Stevens Harris, is one such extraordinary cinematic gem.

From the opening sequence, I was captivated by the film's unique fusion of visuals and sounds, reminiscent of the experimental video art that captivated me during my formative years. The narrative follows the journey of Haven Lee Harris, a young woman who finds herself trapped in a surreal and enigmatic world following a tragic car accident. As she navigates this dreamlike landscape, she encounters a series of bizarre and unsettling characters, each encounter further blurring the lines between reality and illusion.

Haven Lee Harris delivers a tour-de-force performance, embodying the protagonist's emotional turmoil with profound authenticity. Her portrayal of Haven's vulnerability, fear, and unwavering determination is nothing short of mesmerizing, anchoring the narrative and leaving an indelible mark on the viewer.

The film's visuals are equally captivating, with Harris employing a masterful blend of techniques to create a truly immersive experience. From slow-motion shots that capture the intricacies of Haven's expressions to distorted soundscapes that heighten the atmosphere of unease, the film is a sensory overload that demands the viewer's attention.

Beyond its captivating visuals and sounds, Moon Garden delves into profound themes of identity, loss, and the very nature of reality. Harris refrains from spoon-feeding these themes to the audience, instead inviting viewers to embark on their own personal interpretations. This open-ended approach adds an extra layer of intrigue to the film, encouraging multiple viewings and fostering thought-provoking discussions.

While Moon Garden may not be for the faint of heart, its challenging and often disturbing nature is precisely what makes it so compelling. It is a film that pushes boundaries, forces introspection, and lingers long after the credits have rolled. For those seeking a cinematic experience that transcends the ordinary, I wholeheartedly recommend Moon Garden.

P. S. I really hope that a Blu-ray release of the film is coming soon, because I would love to own a copy of this masterpiece.