Raw Performances Drive This Intense Drama

Read Time:3 Minute, 59 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 18m
Director(s): Thomas Angeletti
Writer(s): Timothy J. Cox
Cast: Beth Metcalf, Timothy J. Cox
Where To Watch: available here: www.youtube.com or www.shortverse.com

RAVING REVIEW: This short film proves you don’t need elaborate locations or extravagant build-ups to tell a powerful story. Focusing on grief, morality, and the weight of justice, it packs an emotional punch in just under twenty minutes. Directed by Thomas Angeletti and written by Timothy J. Cox, who also plays the lead role, the film unfolds like a deeply personal conversation that invites the audience to sit and ponder the complexities of its characters and their choices.

The story begins in the immediate aftermath of a funeral, capturing the emotions of a grieving father and daughter. Michael Darcy, played by Cox, is a veteran detective grappling with the devastating loss of his son. Sharing the screen with him is Beth Metcalf as Annie, his daughter, whose attempts to steer her father away from a dangerous path create a poignant dynamic. Their interactions are personal, yet they carry the weight of universal questions about justice and vengeance. The restrained but powerful dialogue between them keeps the film’s tension constant.

Visually, the film thrives on its simplicity. Jake Reynolds’ cinematography focuses on close, static shots that amplify the living room setting. The tight framing mirrors the characters' emotional confines, making every glance and gesture feel like a reflection of their inner struggles.

Michael’s struggle feels real and raw, as Cox portrays a man torn between his professional obligations and personal grief. His performance is understated but impactful, capturing the conflict within him. Metcalf, as Annie, provides the necessary counterbalance, embodying a mix of strength and vulnerability. Her concern for her father’s well-being is palpable, adding to their exchanges and creating an emotional anchor for the audience.

While the film succeeds in many areas, it doesn’t entirely escape the familiarity of its themes. The moral dilemmas surrounding grief and revenge are staples of drama, and specific plot points may feel predictable to seasoned viewers. A mid-film shift that introduces more details about the situation risks distracting from the central relationship between Michael and Annie.

Angeletti's direction is thoughtful. It allows the actors to fully inhabit their roles without being overshadowed by unnecessary embellishments. The editing ensures the narrative is explored deliberately, giving each scene room to breathe.

Cox portrays Michael with a quiet intensity that lingers with the viewer. His ability to convey internal conflict without veering into melodrama is commendable. Metcalf complements this with an honest and heartfelt performance, grounding the story in a relatable emotional reality.

This is more than a narrative about grief; it explores moral ambiguity and our choices after tragedy. It challenges viewers to consider how they might respond in similar circumstances, sparking introspection that extends beyond the screen. The story’s focus on the relationship between a father and daughter adds a unique layer to these familiar themes, ensuring it stands out in a crowded genre.

Ultimately, this film’s success lies in its ability to connect with its audience on a human level. It doesn’t rely on spectacle or intricate plot twists; instead, it uses the emotion of its characters and the strength of its storytelling to leave a lasting impression. By the end, the film leaves viewers questioning justice, loss, and the resilience required to move forward. It’s a deeply personal story told with precision and care that stays with you long after the screen fades to black.

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[photo courtesy of ALYSM FILMS, THREE PEAS IN A POD PRODUCTIONS]

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