Delgibsonreviewer

This film explores the horrors of domestic violence, and is based on a true story. It gives us a raw and honest account of how one woman managed to survive her abusive husband, and how she got out to live on to tell her horrifying tale to the world, in the hopes it will help someone out there to take a stand against abuse towards women and children. Not only that, but we also see the mistakes made by the police, who need to be trained on how to handle domestic violence properly.

Nicole (played by Kaiti Wallen) and Warren (played by Mari G.) met in college and not long after she begins to see his possessive nature, and his angry temperament. The red flags are there, and are being ignored, and is usually the case when love is new. You don't want to see the bad side of the person you've just fallen in love with. Then we see the other side of Warren, when he love bombs her, which is also very common in situations like this. His insecurities are really the problem here, making him an unpredictable person to be around. His behaviour forces his wife and children to live in survival mode, always walking on eggshells. He does things in front of his family that are deplorable! The scene with the bird nearly made me sick. While they are separating, he breaks into the house and forces Nicole to have sex with him, without her consent. This shows us he is a diabolical monster. Why did she stay with him? Because he threatened to end her life if she left him. This too is very common when the victim tries to separate from the abuser. If it isn't an amicable breakup, it could turn dangerous, very fast.

Nicole is a hero in this scenario because she faced her adversary in court. At the expense of her emotions and at the sacrifice of her privacy, she has to re-live it in a brutal battle, where we witness her being revictimized by the defence team. The police aren't any better when they investigate the case. Warren's friend Bobby (played by Harley Wallen) is the cop that turns up to the house after Warren sexually assaults Nicole, he takes Warren's side, and I hope to God he lost his job after this. Unless there is solid evidence, then it is usually and casually dropped down the line of priorities. You can see the old adage coming through; that what happens behind closed doors, should stay behind closed doors. Which is not correct or healthy thinking. You would also think that after spending some time in a jail cell should teach the average person a lesson, and he should be begging for forgiveness. Sadly, that is not the case, and barely ever is that simple. It can take a lifetime to change old patterns, or intergenerational violence, because it is ingrained into one's psyche, making it a challenge to take the necessary steps towards changing the behaviour to obtain a better and more fulfilling life. Warren does not appear to be very remorseful, so I understand why Nicole had a final decision to make; she can stay as herself, or change her whole identity to escape the hold he has over her. What makes it worse is that from his jail cell he still manages to order a contracted hit on Nicole and the children.

This film shows us what victims of domestic violence go through, every single day. Waking up and wondering if this day will be the day he kills you or the kids. Never knowing whether talking to the innocuous neighbour or the mailman, would set the abuser off. To have to contend with court and everything associated with that, is a huge and scary challenge. Having to tell your story over and over again, for statements and to show in court, can feel like a never-ending cycle. Having to protect your children from their father who has become a monster in their eyes. The feeling of being stalked, walking around waiting for him to show up, which he does. Not being able to live a normal life, because there is a man out there who is trying to ruin your life and everything you have built together is destroyed. This is when you need support, and I'm glad Nicole found a friend in Katrina (played by Blanca Blanco) who teaches Nicole self-defence. Nicole's mother Susan (played by Debra Lamb) was also pulled in as a support person. But, how long will he get in jail? I was very pleased with how it all turned out at the end.

Overall, this is a very poignant and compelling film with a lot of messages layered in the storyline. A bit of back and forth with the timeline occurs and can be a little confusing at times, but the overall effect is strong regardless. It is there to show flashbacks and memories of how much the abuse has escalated over the years. For a true crime film, I think Nicole's story will relate to a lot of people. Due to this being based on true events, it will definitely provoke some sort of response from the viewer. The cast and the acting are great, considering what their roles are. I commend the filmmaker for bringing this social issue to the world, from his vision. I was on the edge of my seat a few times. The suspense and tension are palpable. I recommend this one to watch and is another example of indie filmmaking at its best. You will not be disappointed!

Reviewed by Del Gibson.

The introduction is brilliant as it sets the tone and mood for the film immediately. The voiceover (Christopher Korek) does a fantastic job, adding a bone chilling narrative that really had me wondering what horrors lay ahead. This is a found footage film. With stunning scenery of Bulgaria, lush and green, rolling hills and sunny flatlands, how can anything possibly go wrong? Georgina (played by Simona Rose) steps off a plane to begin her new gig as a DoP (Director of Photography) for a new film, and she has no clue that her life is about to change forever. The car hire driver Petar (played by Miroslav Petkov) collects her from the airport and will be her driver while she is in Bulgaria. I like the way all the actors involved are shown to us by Georgina in a folder, and I recognise several faces. There are cameo appearances, that add characters into the storyline, but to be perfectly honest, I think just Rose and Petkov could have done this without anybody else involved. But they did help to flesh out the story. For a found footage film, it landed perfectly, it definitely felt believable. There is an air of tension when Georgina and Petar decide to explore an old, abandoned structure, when they are on their way to the film shoot. Unfortunately, this becomes a case of mistakes made and warnings not heeded. There is a masked figure who they call, the Side Splitter (played by Boyan Dimitrov) who is a frightening character. When he enters the scene, the story ramps up, as does the suspense, bringing terror into the story arc. Who is this person? What does he want? Will anyone get out alive? There are so many great elements in the film that will keep the viewer wanting to know more!

Overall, the tone of dread comes through, the mood changes at vital moments, and the horror scenes are delivered in a gruelling way to please all horror/thriller fans. The SOV filming style is perfect for found footage, and it worked well for this film. The acting is always great when it comes to Rose and Petkov. Another golden gem of indie filmmaking to add to your watch list. You will not be disappointed.

Reviewed by Del Gibson.

I've reviewed these as individual segments, with an overall view at the end.

1 - Anti-Piracy The announcer (played by Phil Herman) opens up with a chilling warning about piracy. I really enjoy Herman's acting; he always has an edge to him that screams horror and terror. This is an excellent way to begin this film. Directed by Phil Herman.

2 - Military Training Sarge (played by Andrew Pierson) is teaching survival skills, only to meet a deadly end, by the killer (played by Carissa Pierson) and this is an irony that had me laughing. Directed by Andrew Pierson.

3 - Hotline There is a man calling the Hotline for company (played by Rudy Ledbetter) and when someone answers the phone, there is a bone chilling message informing him that it's already too late - something terrible happens to him, adding mystery to this storyline. Directed by Rudy Ledbetter.

4 - Land Sale This is awesome! A man is selling his land (played by Rick Pasquale) but there is something on the property they are trying to hide from potential buyers. Note to self: Always make sure when you buy land, that there isn't a hidden cemetery! This one had me laughing! Directed by Rick Pasquale.

5 - Got Milk?

A thirsty woman is craving a glass of milk (played by Morrigan Thompson-Milam) who doesn't realise there is something wrong with her drink. Directed by Morrigan Thompson-Milam. I hope my next glass of milk is okay.

6 - Room #4 Michael Blake (played by Miroslav Petkov) is left a note asking him to meet Clementine at the Cedar Hotel, Room #4. He has a VHS tape recording that has personal content on it. When he goes to the hotel, something otherworldly happens. I wasn't expecting this, what an awesome twist! I like the atmospheric change as he reaches the hotel, the place looks deserted, and there is a reason for that, which adds not only mystery but a sense of foreboding. Then we cut to a news reporter (played by Philip Brocklehurst) as he reports that Michael Blake has been missing for a week, under strange circumstances. I guess Clementine didn't want the tape to get out! Directed by Miroslav Petkov and Teddy Nikolova.

There are some interesting clips that I'd like to mention. There is a public service announcement that cuts in about how littering is bad for the environment. The voiceover (played by Andrew Parker) he does a good job with this. Meanwhile, there is a man who is eating food (played by Ivaylo Stoyanov,) and the irony is not missed, when he throws his litter on the ground. Then, there is a man trapped inside a tape (played by Marvin Maddicks Jr.) and his screaming sent shivers down my spine. How he got trapped in there is not clear, but I wouldn't want to be him!

Overall, these are all well-made and thought-out pieces of artistic creations. I can tell a lot of thought went into compiling these into one video. They each have their own compelling elements, murder, mystery, gore and horror. This is definitely one to watch, as Miroslav Petkov is a fantastic filmmaker and director and I really enjoy reviewing anything he creates. He is a treasure in the indie world, and so many great people were involved in the making of this complete works. Mostly shot in SOV filming, which always is a wonderful way for POV with a more intimate perspective. What a great team working together. That is the beauty of indie filmmaking, everyone getting together for the betterment of the indie world.

Reviewed by Del Gibson.