86 Melrose Avenue

In this spectacular, emotional spin on a heist film, we are able to see a rare ensemble film that exposes the lives and interconnectedness of all characters involved. In a time of such great divide it it exposes how very necessary it is for viewers to nurture their empathy and recognize that everyone has a story that brings them to the present moment. Masterfully shot and brilliantly executed, director Lili Matta gives viewers something that is both entertaining and introspective. There were a few cliches that detracted from spectacular flow of the film but overall it was extremely well done. Great filmmaking. Important message.

Great sound track from the first beat! I loved that about this movie. It really kept me going.. When you realize the subject matter the movie is addressing, mental health, it's really engaging and interesting to see how each character's past has impacted who they are. There's some great acting and cinematography happening here too.

So I recently had the opportunity to watch 86 Melrose Avenue, and the experience left me deeply moved. This film, directed by Lili Matta a great director, is a powerful exploration of human emotion, trauma, and connection. Set in an art gallery in Los Angeles, the story takes a dramatic turn when an ex-Marine, Travis, takes a group of people hostage. What unfolds is not just a tense situation but a profound journey into the hearts of the characters.

As I watched the film, I found myself becoming increasingly invested in the characters. Each one is crafted with such depth and vulnerability that it's impossible not to feel a connection. Dade Elza's portrayal of Travis, a man struggling with PTSD, is particularly compelling. His performance brought tears to my eyes as I witnessed the pain and desperation that drove him to such extreme actions. Anastasia Antonia's character, Nadia, added a sense of warmth and hope to the narrative, making the emotional highs and lows even more impactful.

Action, suspense, and drama in this captivating character-driven film, where various individuals are confronted with the same dire situation, forcing each to grapple with the imminence of death, the frailty of life, and the haunting echoes of their traumatic pasts.

Each character's unique journey reveals the profound impact of their experiences, shaping who they are and how they navigate the unfolding crisis. The film boasts exceptional performances from a talented cast, each actor breathing life into their complex roles.

The beautifully crafted script and masterful direction are complemented by stunning cinematography, creating a visually and emotionally immersive experience that lingers long after the credits roll.

Now hostage situations have long been a staple of the crime and thriller genres, which makes it somewhat hard to infuse new life into a pretty much standard situation - but 86 Melrose Avenue does pretty well at that, as it focuses not just on the central conflict on hand but pulls back to paint a bigger picture, one that involves the fates of several of the hostages in relation to the perpetrator, and even the art exhibited at the gallery mirrors the goings-on in a way, making this more than just your standard thriller but also some sort of social commentary - which is only augmented in the post-finale interviews that really give the thing substance. And thanks to a relatable cast and a subtle directorial effort, this has become a very compelling and pretty unusual movie.