Exile

EXILE is an entertaining independent movie, a science fiction thriller made by Las Vegas based filmmaker Mike Conway.

Conway's film won't be mistaken for a big-money Hollywood epic, but it looks far more expensive than the actual budget. The photography and location work rival that of films you'll see featured on the SyFy Channel.

The extras on the DVD reveal the clever digital sleight-of-hand that enhanced the minimalistic sets and concealed some production short-comings. It also gives us an idea of how dedicated indie filmmakers can band together, with many of the actors doubling as impromptu crew members.

The relationship of the blind man and the female android is well-written, with a nice "Twilight Zone/Outer Limits" atmosphere and twist. Action scenes are well handled.

The CGI spaceship effects have nice movement and weight to them, marred slightly by a lack of convincing "real world" detail and weathering.

The music, also by director Conway, is well done, and quite fitting for the subject.

Worth a look, especially if you have an interest in independent genre film-making.