In a Cage

I attended the screening of this independent film way back in 2014 because I was intrigued by the topic of domestic violence. I grew up in a home where domestic violence occurred on a regular basis and truthfully, I wanted to see how realistic this film would be. The writer hit this out of the park. They premiered it in October for National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, which was fitting.

I'll be honest, at times, it was difficult to watch because it did hit so close to home for me. If I closed my eyes, I could almost see my own mother being hit and cursed at all over again. I saw the reactions of others in the audience and I could positively tell you that they felt how realistic the movie was as well.

Even though you can definitely tell that this was an independent, super low budget film, it was a great film. It was the first movie that Dreams Come True Films ever made, and it does show, but the story itself is one that everyone should see because I guarantee you that every single one of us know someone who is being abused behind closed doors. This movie in particular dove into the old adage "What goes on behind closed doors is nobody's business" (referring to domestic violence). However, the screenwriter here disagrees with that and so do I.

One character in this movie says to her neighbor, "Domestic Violence is everyone's business." And we're told that, "If you see something, say something," so that's what this film tries to relay to the audience. Let's not turn a blind eye to domestic violence. We can't all assume that it would be easy peasy to leave a DV situation. I'm sure it is much harder than anyone can imagine, especially if there are children involved.

So while this film was not shot the greatest, it has an outstanding soundtrack and the writing is very believable. Though it's a Dreams Come True Films original, it was directed and shot by someone other than Daniel Beard, who came in a few years later and started with VANISHED. He's extremely talented. The fact is In a Cage was produced on a shoestring budget by a first time Director (Naga Vellala), a first time Cinematographer (Charles Rudolph), a first time sound guy (Elliott Rauch) and a first time producer (Candy Beard), so we must show them some grace. They came together, they made a great film with what they had and they finished it. I applaud that. Side note, I thought the very best performance came from Christopher Hunt, who portrayed the abusive husband.

Being from the same local area where this film was made, I was excited when I heard that they were seeking extras for a bar scene in the fall of 2011. I didn't actually get seen on camera (I was left on the cutting room floor, LOL) but it was still very exciting to be on the set of a real film production. One would never even begin to imagine how much hard work is put into these movies, especially if it has a small crew as this one did.

I was shocked to learn how many takes must be done, even when the actors are doing what seems like a great job, many, many takes are done just to be absolutely sure there is plenty to work with in editing.

For being an extra, I got a free invite when they premiered it in October 2013. Held at the Holiday Inn, there were 4 back to back screenings to oblige people with difficult schedules. It's a great topic that needs to be addressed.

This is a must see film that tackles domestic violence and the importance of trying to be a voice for a battered woman. For an independent production I thought they did a fantastic job. Christopher Hunt who played Robert & Paisley Blackburn who played Kristy were outstanding and had great chemistry.

I think this film would be a wonderful movie to show at Domestic Violence shelters as I believe it could help save lives and give people strength to seek help.

I know the primary goal of any movie is to entertain. Like books, great movies allow you to escape reality -- even if only for a short time. Together, they are an award winning combination. But some movies are so much more than that. They inspire us or teach. Candy Beard's 'In A Cage' will do all of the above. One would be tempted to say it is a drama about domestic violence but that would really sell it short. Because a movie like this could be a life saver in the hands of a victim or witness. If you are neither, I hope it inspires you take up domestic violence. This is a raw, gritty and thought provoking ride from Dreams Come True Films builds from the easily dismissed rantings of a drunk meanness to brutal violence and torture while their well meaning neighbors struggle with butting out or jumping in.