An Indie Take on Ghostly Encounters

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MOVIE REVIEW
The Waiting
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Genre: Comedy, Horror, Romance
Year Released: 2020
Runtime: 1h 22m
Director(s): F.C. Rabbath
Writer(s): F.C. Rabbath
Cast: Nick Leali, Molly Ratermann, Laura Altair, Mark A. Marple, Bryan Perritt, Michelle Feliciano
Where To Watch: available now on Tubi here www.tubitv.com

RAVING REVIEW: Writer/Director F.C. Rabbath concocts a unique blend of comedy, drama, and supernatural elements in THE WAITING, stepping away from the usual ghost story conventions. The film chronicles Eric (Nick Leali,) a heartbroken man whose life takes an unexpected turn when he begins working at The Lodge and becomes fascinated with the enigmatic room 101. This narrative intertwines various genres, keeping viewers engrossed and guessing at every turn. To be entirely fair, we’ve seen this story before, but Rabbath takes the story and adds a unique zest to it that I wasn’t expecting.

As an example of independent cinema's innovative spirit, THE WAITING merges genres with surprising ease; you rarely see horror, comedy, and a romantic subplot all mixed. The plot centers around Eric; Leali brings an undeniable charm to the role and his complex interaction with Elizabeth (Molly Ratermann,) a character given an unexpected depth by Ratermann's performance.

Despite its modest budget, THE WAITING impresses with its creative use of cinematography and special effects. The special effects are always a big point of contention for me regarding independent film. Too often, indie films try to push them to the absolute furthest point they can, and in doing so, they often end up looking cheesy. My best advice for any smaller-budget film is to work within your means, and that’s precisely what we see in THE WAITING. The film presents the apparition not as a typical ghost but with a more human-like quality, adding realism to its interactions with Eric and enhancing the depth of their relationship. The film's clever lighting and camera work further elevate the storytelling, vividly illustrating its core themes.

The musical score is a significant component, adding an emotional layer between haunting eeriness and touching poignancy, perfectly aligning with the film's narrative shifts. If you’ve ever watched a “horror” film without a score or with the score muted, you’ll understand just how important it is. While this isn’t really what I would consider a “horror” film, it has its moments that the score is vital.

Unfortunately, the film briefly introduces its supporting characters, hinting at untapped potential for more in-depth exploration in future narratives or adaptations. There was so much focus on the main cast that many of the others in the cast got lost in the noise.

THE WAITING delves into the themes of solitude, the search for meaningful connections, and the unexpected nature of life’s relationships. This mixture of humor, drama, and supernatural elements creates a unique and engaging cinematic experience. Keep in mind this is an independent film. This won’t have the gloss and polish of a big-budget Hollywood hit, but I think most will find something to take from the experience.

THE WAITING is a testament to the creative power of indie filmmaking. It weaves a captivating and thought-provoking tale, showcasing the immense potential of impactful storytelling and acting, even within the confines of a limited budget. While it breaks away from the standard horror genre, THE WAITING leads its audience on an explorative journey about finding connection and purpose in the most unforeseen places, highlighting the boundless creativity and storytelling possibilities available in independent cinema."

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[photo courtesy of F.C. RABBATH CREATIONS]