Coherence

Based upon viewer comments, this is either great or horrible and, for my money, I agree in both cases. Maybe it's a matter of expectation? If you like movies with effects and high production values (no shame in that) this isn't for you. It you like creators trying to be unique, then this might be fun.

For me, there are a couple ooooo moments that make this worth while. And I love that Nicholas Brendan's twin brother shows up as a special effect, like he did in that really good episode of Buffy.

Coherence kept popping up on lists of best sci-fi films which was surprising because I had never seen a trailer or heard anything about it. I found it free to stream somewhere, so I checked it out, and I am so glad I did! What I found was a very low-budget film with a cast you have never heard of but a premise and script that were so well executed that this movie blew my mind! The panic and anxiety of the characters as they try to understand what is happening around them is told with such brilliance that the audience is lost, intrigued, overwhelmed, and bought in all at the same time. I'm telling you - watch this movie!

It is a very complex but intelligent film. I got nervous when I watched it. I understood some of the subjects and scenes, but I didn't understand some of them. I looked at some reviews and liked the film even more. I think the scriptwriter and director did a good and intelligent job. The film is complex and sometimes not very easy to understand. It is not easy to write, shoot, and edit such a film. Congratulations. I also liked the acting. It is very realistic and convincing. Despite its very low budget, they did a good job. Yes, things like sound, lighting, and so on are technically weak in the film, but the film is a scripted film. In other words, its script and acting are impressive.

'Coherence' is master example of what you can achieve with close to no budget, but enough inventiveness. Shot over five days with almost unknown cast (except maybe Nicholas Brendon from 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer') and mostly improvised scenes and dialogue. The writers (director James Ward Byrkit and Alex Manugian who also played the role of Amir) had only written just story and established rules while most of the witty dialogue were improvised by actors themselves, thus proving that the film doesn't need some superstars, but rather talented ensemble cast. Although the hand-held camera-work might seem to take viewer out of the story, it was just another way to give more room to the improvisation. Despite all of that the film manages to keep an eerie atmosphere, and the story movies on one continuous flow without getting sidetracked. The story also doesn't crumble into pieces under it's own ambitions. The twists hold together and actually makes sense. Although the final twist might seem to be rushed and thrown into there just for the sake of it, but it kinda fits and doesn't change the film's overall tone.

'Coherence' is slow burning psychological science-fiction for a thinking person, and it holds up much better than most big budgeted pretentious science-fiction extravaganzas. Recommended especially for those who like independent sci-fi and/or films that take place in one room.

Eight friends get together for dinner while a comet is passing overhead. After a power blackout across the neighbourhood strange events start occurring.

A clever drama, with an interesting anchoring in scientific theory. Very intriguing, as the events unfold, especially as you don't know where this could or will lead. Due to the originality of the concept and plot, the options are almost endless.

Unfortunately, that's where the movie falls short of greatness. Having presented this wonderfully original idea and developed the plot quite well around it, writer-director James Ward Byrkit doesn't quite know where to go with it. The ending is very disappointing, especially after all the potential the movie had for something profound or impactful.