Jack_V05

Alton, directed by Adam O'Neill Gibbins, is a film that captivates visually but struggles to build a strong narrative foundation. The story follows Alton (Jacob Fountain), a young boy with mysterious abilities, and the complicated journey of his father, George (George Grozier), as they try to escape from both a government pursuit and a cult-like religious group that believes Alton holds the key to a greater power. Along the way, they are joined by Henry (Jack Vickers), a friend with his own stakes in the outcome of their journey.

The performances are commendable. Jacob Fountain's portrayal of Alton is both subtle and engaging, conveying the weight of his powers and his desire to understand his place in the world. George Grozier, as the determined father, brings a quiet intensity to the role, while Jack Vickers provides a grounded presence as Henry, adding a layer of complexity to the film's relationships. The emotional core of the movie is rooted in the bond between father and son, which is effective in moments but often underdeveloped.

Visually, Alton impresses with its minimalist style and atmospheric cinematography, capturing expansive landscapes and quiet moments of tension. The film's pacing, however, falters in places, relying on atmosphere at the expense of forward narrative momentum. While the vague sense of mystery surrounding Alton's abilities is compelling at first, the film never fully delivers on its promises. The slow-burn approach to storytelling leaves too many questions unanswered, and the lack of a clear direction or resolution diminishes the impact of the film's themes.

The central ideas about identity, power, and family are intriguing, but they often feel lost in the haze of ambiguity. There are moments of emotional depth, but the lack of a fully realized plot prevents them from landing as strongly as they could. By the end, Alton feels more like an experimental exploration of concept rather than a fully realized narrative, leaving viewers with a sense of unease rather than satisfaction.

In the end, Alton will likely appeal to those who appreciate slow, atmospheric storytelling with a focus on mood over plot. However, for those hoping for a more structured and coherent narrative, the film's meandering nature may leave them feeling unsatisfied. While the performances and visuals are strong, the film ultimately struggles to deliver a satisfying conclusion to the compelling mystery it sets up.

Project Duality is a frustrating misfire that squanders its intriguing premise with poor execution, leaving viewers perplexed and disappointed. The film attempts to blend science fiction with psychological drama, but its incoherent plot and unconvincing characters make it a chore to watch. The story, centered around a technology that allows people to experience alternate versions of their lives, is promising but quickly devolves into a series of convoluted twists that go nowhere.

The pacing is painfully slow, with long stretches of exposition that do little to advance the narrative. The dialogue is often clunky, filled with unnatural exchanges that drain any emotional depth from the characters. The performances, meanwhile, are flat and uninspired, as if the actors themselves aren't invested in the story.

Visually, Project Duality doesn't fare much better. The special effects are mediocre at best, failing to sell the futuristic concept of parallel realities. The cinematography, too, lacks creativity, relying on generic shots that do little to immerse viewers in the world it's trying to create.

Ultimately, Project Duality feels like a missed opportunity-a film that had the potential to explore fascinating themes about identity and choice but instead becomes a muddled, forgettable experience. Fans of science fiction would do better to seek out more competent films in the genre.

Jayden Harper is by far the best character George Grozier has played. His performance brings the character to life. It's nice to have a complex character in a budget short film. The other characters are fine but needed more depth. Especially Joshua Foxons character Simon. His characters idea was good but needed more backstory to make him stand out more. The soundtrack is ok but doesn't fit some of the scenes. The opening is rushed but sets up the whole short film so it works. I just wish this was longer. Act 3 definitely feels rushed compared to the previous acts. But overall this is a very production.