Art of a Hit

I found it through my library on Hoopla, which I think is really cool and notable-it's great when smaller films are accessible like that. The concept of "Art of a Hit" is intriguing: a quirky producer, a band hoping for their big break, and a mysterious castle setting. There are moments of suspense, with the producer delivering surprise appearances that add a bit of fun to the story.

Though the pacing felt a bit slow for my taste and I found myself getting bored, it's evident that a lot of effort went into bringing this idea to life. The film has unique quirks that make it charming in its own way, even if it didn't quite keep me fully engaged throughout. For those who appreciate unconventional storytelling and distinct atmospheres, it could be a hidden gem. While I personally didn't connect with it as much as others seem to, I recognize that this film may resonate more with certain audiences. It serves as a reminder that film ratings are subjective, and what might not click for one person can be a rewarding experience for another.

To be upfront I reviewed this film for a podcast I run and to prepare for an interview with Gaelan and Charlie, the producers/director. I was so blown away by the film after watching it three times, that I dedicated myself to doing a 9 episode series. It's one of the smartest layered film I've seen in years. If you are a fan of music or horror in general you will love this film. It's the kind of film you can watch multiple times and keep getting more and more out of it. I feel weird plugging my podcast in a review but if you search you will find it. It's best to purchase it as you'll want to watch it more than once.

Let's bring the reviews back to reality.

This is a low-budget rock and roll drama with a flimsy, forgettable plot and weak writing.

I had to watch it over three nights because it didn't hold my interest. I didn't want to give up on it.

It starts out with a grand vision of a washed up band attempting a comeback in a foreign castle somewhere. It never develops into a story with momentum. Theres lots of rock jargon and posturing, but thats it. Its definitely not a horror movie, and not much of a band story either. The band memebers have no depth. There's odd dreams indicating murder or horror, but these never result in anything.

The lead singer is so depressive and flat throughout the movie I wanted to end it for him. Actually, none of this cast is likeable.

The actors portraying the band come off as stereotypes. Its a dull, directionless film.

The high ratings are over- the-top and a perfect demonstration of insiders inflating the ratings for their movies.

Art of a Hit is a tone-deaf and off-key indie drama that, much like its band, has no direction or rhythm. Art of a hit is something Gaelan Connell should've studied prior to making this film, because pretty soon it's becoming apparent nothing seems to work: actors have zero chemistry and watching them pretend to be band mates and lifelong friends is a dull experience, the music isn't good enough to be featured in a daytime show, and the horror elements are scarce and unnecessary. Ryan Donowho's best days are long gone, James Earl is apparently supposed to be a comic relief but fails miserably thanks to the impotent script, Allie MacDonald and the rest also seem to have no idea what are they supposed to do. In lieu of wasting time on this roadkill, listen to your favorite rock songs and have a great time.

A cerebral, psychologically thrilling journey that examines universal themes of relevance (and irrelevance) and success as artists. Anyone who's ever gone through the painstaking process of creation--art or business--will be able to deeply relate to the message Draper examines in this movie.

For music lovers or people who have been involved in bands / music making in any capacity, this will be an especially poignant watch. The musical artistry of the cast is second to none. No acting here, just pure performance!

Ultimately, the visual wow-factor draws you in (unique setting in France, unbelievable cinematography, glowing landscapes), the casts' performances make you stay, and the themes stay with you long after the movie's over. Beautifully made and thoughtful. Highly recommend.