Weathering the Storm of Loss

Read Time:3 Minute, 48 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
When It Rains in LA
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Genre: Crime, Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 2024, 2025
Runtime: 1h 20m
Director(s): David M. Parks
Writer(s): John Sillup
Cast: Eric Roberts, Monroe Cline, Mike Ferguson, Leslie Stratton, Thomas Gipson, Felix Merback, Taylor Brianna, Natasha Stricklin, Paris Simone, Tori London, Mikki Mase
Where To Watch: in select theaters January 3, 2025, and on Digital/On-Demand platforms January 7, 2025

RAVING REVIEW: In Los Angeles, where sunshine is the norm, rain transforms the landscape into a canvas of mystery and suspense. In the film WHEN IT RAINS IN LA, directed by David M. Parks and starring Monroe Cline, Leslie Stratton, Mike Ferguson, and Eric Roberts, the weather becomes more than a backdrop—it’s a catalyst for the unfolding enigmatic narrative that marries elements of horror, mystery, and a dash of camp.

As rain drenches the city, Sasha, depicted by Cline, confronts the shadows of her past triggered by the bizarre death of her older lover, Nate (Roberts.) This event, tied to a cryptic artifact, marks the start of a voyage through grief and danger. The storm mirrors Sasha’s internal turmoil and stirs a series of occurrences that expand the plot, drawing the viewer deeper into a web of intrigue.

Sasha's return to Los Angeles reunites her with friends, each adding a unique flavor to the unfolding drama. The strength of Tatia (Natasha Stricklin) and Mark's (Felix Merback) more volatile nature contrast, enhancing the film's core.

Cinematographer Preston Weaver’s visual style captures the stark contrast between the city's bright days and dark, stormy nights, adding atmospheric tension. Faïs's evocative score completes the film, and certain scenes transcend their confines, becoming almost like isolated pieces that accentuate the film's landscape.

Despite its modest budget, WHEN IT RAINS IN LA offers unexpected creativity and dark humor. The film tactfully navigates its financial limitations, turning some weaknesses into strengths with cleverly crafted scenes that blend horror with humor. The cast and crew's dedication saves the film, overcoming technical shortcomings.

The pacing of WHEN IT RAINS IN LA keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, though at times, it speeds past opportunities to delve deeper into the mysteries at its core; I think this is partly due to some inconsistent editing, which makes you feel like you’re watching two films cut together. The relationships among the characters, central to the narrative’s emotional core, crave more development to realize their impact on the storyline, which may be the film's most glaring weakness.

Thematic ambitions run high as the film explores loss and identity against a backdrop that metaphorically reflects Sasha’s journey. The storm disrupts the city and symbolizes the chaos within Sasha, presenting it as a relentless force in her quest for clarity and closure.

WHEN IT RAINS IN LA exemplifies atmospheric storytelling that elevates a film beyond its constraints. The film's soundtrack and compelling visuals invite audiences into a realm where reality blurs with the fantastical. This journey through Los Angeles’s darker side offers a refreshing take on indie cinema, making it a memorable experience for those who appreciate films that embrace the unconventional. Ultimately, this film fell right in the middle for me; it didn’t break enough new ground, and I had no significant issues with the experience.

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[photo courtesy of GRAVITAS VENTURES]

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