Reflect

This is a movie that I got the chance to see via a screener thanks to Justin Cook. I'll admit, I originally wasn't going to check this out as I didn't think what I saw from the press release was horror. It wasn't until digging a bit that I saw that on Letterboxd, this falls in genre. I decided to go ahead and give it a watch after that. Aside from that, I did come into this one blind. Just having read the synopsis.

Synopsis: five eclectic women journeys into the vortexes of Sedona where they are forced to confront the resurgence of their traumatic memories through shadow work.

We start this following Summer (Dana Kippel) as she approaches a pond. She hears an odd, distorted voice asking if she found herself. There are then flash images where she wakes up in bed with her boyfriend, James (Corey Brooks). He asks if she wants to have sex to which she declines. There are trust issues as she thinks he's messaging other women. While they're in bed, she is on her laptop inviting her friends to a spiritual retreat in Sedona where you can win money.

She invites her best friend Katie (Grace Patterson) who is rich as well as her other friend Nia (Ariana Brown). Katie also invites her cousin Annie (Marissa Patterson). The former is trying to get her to like her while the cousin has a bleak outlook on everything. Nia also invites Liz (Jadelyn Breier), who Summer doesn't like. Summer thinks that Liz is interested in her boyfriend.

This group makes their way out to the desert of Sedona for this retreat. We see that there is a multi-dimensional game that the women are going to partake. Zero (Dash Katz) is asked by his father to narrate but to also not interfere. There can only be one winner and Zero seems like he wants to help them navigate the challenges. These women will have to face their traumas in the past and come to terms with them to win. That could be too much for them to do though.

That is where I'll leave my recap and introduction to the characters. There isn't a lot to this story as it is more of a character study. This lingers on certain individuals longer than others, but I did like that before they disappear from the game, they do get backstory that is revealed to help explain more about who they are. I can appreciate that. None of the five women that we are following feel one dimensional so that is good. I should also include here that Kippel, who is our star, also wrote and directed this as well.

Where I want to delve deeper is with the premise. If you know me, then you know I'm a big fan of things like time travel and multiple dimensions. This latter concept makes more sense to me with religion. What we have here is a game that is put on for other dimensional beings and I get the idea that they might even gamble on it. That is a scary and interesting idea for sure. That is unnerving to think that we're being watched by higher beings. I also like the concept of this game being that these women need to face their trauma to win. There is Katie struggling with perfection. Summer needs to realize that she is beautiful inside and outside. She also needs to learn to not settle. Liz has issues that stem from her sexuality versus her beliefs. Nia needs to forgive her mother and realize how difficult things were. Annie tried to kill herself in the past. There are heavy things here that I think work.

There is an elephant in the room that I need to address. I don't think this movie falls into horror. This would be an adjunct movie only for the fact that I believe these women are disappearing completely. There are these shadow entities that are taking them if they don't come to terms with their trauma. That is scary. There is also the allegory there about letting our pasts consume us without moving on. I think the consensus will be this isn't horror and I'd agree. I'm still including due to Letterboxd considering it.

I do then want to go over to a positive which I thought was the acting. Grace Patterson, Kippel, Breier, Marissa Patterson and Brown. They all feel like this group of friends who tolerate each other. I think that Katie likes everyone. Summer has an issue with Liz because of her boyfriend. She isn't the one she should worry about though. This group of friends feels real to me. I also like Katz, Chris Levine, Joe Filippone, Maya Knell and Campbell Crates. They're all great as these quirky people who are helping with this retreat. The acting here isn't great. It does fit the tone of the movie so I'll credit that.

All that is left then is filmmaking. The best thing here is the cinematography. I love the shots of nature as they're beautiful. I'll also pull in the effects for the anomalies when it comes to time and space. We see wormhole like things. These are done with CGI as there's no way to do that practical. I do love that. I'd say that we don't get much in the way of effects outside of that. It doesn't necessarily need them either though. Other than that, I thought the soundtrack fit what was needed. We do have this creepy, distorted voice we hear throughout that helps add to the atmosphere.

In conclusion, I thought this was a solid effort. It's not necessarily a movie for me though. I liked the character study of this group of friends. The performance and the dynamics were good. There isn't enough horror elements to fully work for me though. It is more the implications and certain things with the atmosphere. I will say that the cinematography is beautiful and I like what they do with the time/space effects. I don't recommend this to horror fans. If you want a sci-fi/comedy that is geared more toward following these women characters, then give this a watch. It is a quirky independent movie for sure.

My Rating: 6 out of 10.

This film is jam packed with ideas! The structure resembles more of a meditation or metaphysical trip than a traditional story arc. There are definitely some spirituality gems sprinkled throughout with some really fun and engaging moments. There are visuals and sequences that are mind bending and extremely impressive for the scale of the production. The ensemble does a great job nodding to the meta aspect of the film, having fun and not taking the material too seriously. Reflect explores themes that are right up my alley, so I'm really excited to see what Dana Kippel does with her second outing.

Reflect is truly an experience. Gorgeous cinematography and creative story with solid writing.

I enjoyed the vibrant colors and thought provoking scenes that keep you engaged from beginning to end.

The special effects were solid for an indie film. Absolutely stunning scenery that incapsulates the South West's incredible beauty.

A journey and reflection of one's inner self, and overcoming the demons from within.

The nature showcased in this film is quite immersive. You feel truly present when watching the film.

I enjoyed the comedy in the film, and the tone was balanced well with horror and Psychological thriller.

This was such an amazing watch. If you like to explore spiritually or even just mentally you will be thrown for a ride of epic proportions. Everything here is top notch - especially the photography and ideas presented. It is not called "Reflect" just because, as it inspires reflection of ourselves and therefore will be super healing to the right person. It is dark yet light, funny yet serious, a paradox in the best sense of the word. Twists and spins all throughout, it will enliven your eyes. Dana Kippel is most certainly someone to follow and watch for in the coming years. Her dedication to this project is immensely inspiring to say the least. Definitely a must-watch💯

Reflect is a film with a completely new approach to screenwriting and directing. It's hard to compare it to anything else on the market because it's so fresh. For viewers looking to step into an entirely new way of filmmaking, this is the perfect film. Exploring metaphysical concepts of our world and beyond, it leaves you thinking about the possibilities of the universe while gently guiding you through a thrilling adventure. The mix of genres holds you in its grasp until the very end leaving you on your toes at every turning point. The colors in the film are stunning with the beautiful backdrop of Sedona as it's canvas. It's a very visually pleasing experience that soothes your mind to contrast the thrill of the chase that drives a certain high energy urgency in the name becoming new. Which all seems very fitting when taking into consideration the high risks that were taken in trying something new with the film altogether. I recommend this film to those who are tired of the same old and desire to challenge their minds with the possibility of a new normal. Can't wait to see more from this director.