Bias disclaimer: around 11 years ago that came across a YouTube video called The Jones Plantation. It is what this movie is based upon. Given the fact that I was so infatuated with the YouTube video (which I recommend) I will say I am biased in my review. And I tried my best to remain as objective as possible.
Acting: 5/10
Some of the acting is amazing. Maurice does a great job. Sometimes Mr. Jones does good, but other times he just really falls flat. The same goes with most the other supporting actors and actresses. Then there is just some line delivery or acting that just does not do it. It does not convey the emotional element or the dialogue/ writing. Just seems forced. Very few times it seems. Unnatural. All in all, I've seen worse acting on the films. I've enjoyed more, and I've seen better acting in indie films I have not cared for.
Plot: 10/10
And so very refreshing to have something that is not supposed to be taken at face value. That's not a movie about a plantation or slavery in the 1800s. It's an allegory. The actual setting of the movie is just that of a metaphor for the idea of the movie is trying to convey. If you watch anything of just slavery in the time period, it's going to feel and seem very off, but if you consider the government/states/culture instead of a plantation then you will quickly realize the meaning and message behind the film. To avoid spoilers, if you change the lens from what you expect to a wider aspect of what the writers trying to tell you , then you will see the film in a different light. I find this really refreshing compared to most blockbuster and indie film development. Something that seems fresh, different, and you unique as well as introducing fresh faces and a fresh idea to cinema.
Production: 6/10
The production called was really well, it wasn't expecting a lot of locations or beautiful country sides. I think they did well with their budget for settings, though it would be nice to see a few different places. The scenes kind of get redundant as far as the background goes. Even utilizing different angles and different shots, not a lot. Really changes as far as the setting goes. I don't want to call it. A lack of effort more than it's just a lack of budgeting and using what you've got. I gave him a little leeway but it still wouldn't. Nice to see some different scenery.
Now as far as shots and camera angles go, they weren't flat. No point that I feel like I was watching someone's first attempt at shooting in the movie. At the same time some of the shots did feel formulaic as well as redundant. While they were small. Little things I could pick out that made me say, "oh yeah this is a different shot," I did find myself double guessing whether or not I was seen the same shot for a different scene or not.
Overall, I'd say 8 out of 10. I loved it. Identify myself switching too much to my phone. They were times I would get distracted and I'd feel like I need to rewind and double check something. But overall it was a fresh and interesting movie. I really loved it.
