Unraveling Valkyrie’s Hidden Truths
MOVIE REVIEW
Sirona
–
Genre: Mystery, Sci-Fi
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 40m
Director(s): Wesley Clark
Writer(s): Wesley Clark
Cast: Ashlynn Hideman, Jeremy Calcote, Ben Johnson, Shale LePage, Sarah Klaren
Where To Watch: On-Demand September 5, 2023, via Amazon TVOD, Vudu, AppleTV, Tubi, Google Play, YouTube Movies
RAVING REVIEW: Deep in the Rockies' heart, the vast, breathtaking expanses of Colorado come alive with stories that make you sit up and notice. Valkyrie, the covert operation in these majestic mountains, is at risk. Their prized experiment, Sirona (Ashlynn Hideman), decides she's had enough and hightails it out. In hot pursuit, we've got Allen Cross's (Jeremy Calcote) squad, mercenaries tasked with a seemingly simple job: fetch the escapee. But when it's a matter of conscience versus contract, what's a seasoned mercenary leader like Cross to do?
Wesley Clark bursts onto the scene, not as a superhero in the film, but as the creative mind giving SIRONA its cinematic wings. Juggling roles in this ambitious venture, Clark's commitment shines through, reminding us that imaginative storytelling must step in when budgets are limited. However, sometimes, wearing too many hats can bite you, causing certain aspects to suffer because of the focus on others.
Here's where SIRONA truly shines – as a beacon amidst Valkyrie's dimly lit corridors. This isn't your everyday superhero story; this is a tale of vulnerability, potential, and an irrefutable touch of humanity. Cross (Jeremy Calcote,) the man caught in the crossfire of duty and morality, finds himself perpetually at odds, reflecting an internal storm we can all resonate with.
We’re then introduced to Jason Miller (Ben Johnson,) a man of duty, honor, and stubborn resolve. Though commendable, his unwavering dedication sets the stage for clashes, especially with the ever-turbulent Cross. And just when you think you've gotten a read on the team dynamics, in swoops, Julie Campbell (Sarah Klaren.) She's not just any recruit; she's got the eagle eyes and a calm demeanor that hides a reservoir of expertise. Their complex web of relationships gets a delightful stir with Tuck's (Wesley Clark) antics, providing chuckles while navigating the unfamiliar superhero terrain.
Get ready for a rollercoaster between high-adrenaline chases and soul-stirring moments of truth. Who could've predicted the depths of darkness lurking within Valkyrie's operations until Calvin (Rafael Velasquez), the unsuspecting cabin owner, stumbles onto it?
While SIRONA harks back to the days when character depth reigned supreme, it's not without its pitfalls. Clark's enthusiasm sometimes borders on excessive, resulting in dialogues that oscillate between impactful and mundane. Some character exchanges might even have you scratching your head, pondering if a bit more fine-tuning could've achieved cinematic nirvana.
With Morrow's (Shale Le Page) dramatic entry, the narrative takes a spirited turn, propelling us into frantic action. This showdown, though pulsating, is peppered with moments that might jolt you out of the cinematic trance momentarily.
In essence, SIRONA tantalizingly teeters on the brink of cinematic excellence. While it's a few brush strokes away from a perfect canvas, its promise is undeniable. With whispers of a sequel in the winds, one can only hope for an even more captivating tale that both thrills and profoundly resonates. Understand what can be done with a smaller budget. This film does it right; the effects are within the realistic costs, making them look good when sparingly used. This allows the team to focus more on dialogue. While there are some misses, the experience gives a lot of hope for the future of the team behind the film.
For more reviews, please visit – https://linktr.ee/Overlyhonestmoviereviews for more info.
Follow me on Letterboxd, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube. Find my social media accounts on most platforms simply by searching Overly Honest Movie Reviews.
I’m always happy to hear from my readers; please say hi or send me any questions about movies.
[photo courtesy of CRANKED UP FILMS]
MY SAG-AFTRA/WGA STRIKE STATEMENT:
As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA and the WGA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.
#SAGAFTRA #WGA #SAGAFTRAStrong #WGAStrong
Sirona is a great independent film. Wes Clark did a great job putting everything together. Looking forward to seeing more from Ashlynn Hideman and the sequel.
Agreed! There’s such a wide open playground for a sequel to explore!!!