MOVIE REVIEW
Your Reality
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Genre: Thriller, Short
Year Released: 2019
Runtime: 21m
Director(s): Top Tarasin
Writer(s): Tatjana Anders
Cast: Tatjana Anders, Kyle James, MJ Lee
Where To Watch: available now here: https://youtu.be/SVCqTcb4qkM?feature=shared

RAVING REVIEW: Alicia’s (Tatjana Anders) tale in YOUR REALITY, where romance slides into psychological torment, is a classic narrative spun with a contemporary twist. Set in a coffee shop's unassuming environment, the film starts with the perfect meeting of what seems like two fun and light-hearted individuals and spirals into a harrowing exploration of emotional abuse. As Alicia navigates her unsettling transformation from a self-assured professional to a woman haunted by doubt and despair, the audience is pulled along for an intense ride that blurs the line between affection and manipulation.

Kyle James’s performance as Mark oscillates between charming and chilling. His portrayal brings to life the disturbing reality of gaslighting—a manipulative tactic all too familiar in tales of toxic relationships but rarely depicted with such precision on screen. As the plot thickens, YOUR REALITY does more than just entertain; it educates, making you question the fabric of Alicia’s perceived reality. As I’ve seen mentioned by another reviewer, this is a very in-your-face narrative, but it’s done with the intention of what it feels like to be trapped without realizing it.

The film’s technical prowess is evident in its atmospheric use of lighting and composition. Shadows and light dance across scenes to symbolize Alicia’s shrinking autonomy, crafting a visual narrative as compelling as the script. With its eerie undertones, the score heightens the sense of entrapment pervading every frame, making the psychological stakes palpable. Keep in mind this is all just in a 21-minute package.

Despite its engaging core and stellar performances, YOUR REALITY is not without its imperfections. Certain dialogues seem unnatural, and a few scenes lack the cinematic polish that could elevate them from good to unforgettable. However, these moments are mere hiccups in a film that effectively drives home the perils of emotional manipulation.

The film’s climax, marked by a plot twist that reshapes the entire storyline, is shocking and enlightening. It serves as a stark reminder of the strength required to escape the grip of a manipulative partner. This twist adds depth to the narrative and underscores the resilience inherent in those who confront such realities.

Among the film’s most impactful sequences is a simple yet profound voicemail scene, which encapsulates Alicia’s isolation and the crushing weight of her unraveling mental state. This scene poignantly represents the silent struggles that define gaslighting, resonating deeply with anyone who has ever felt alone in their distress.

YOUR REALITY transcends its entertainment value to serve as a crucial educational tool, shedding light on the subtle signs of gaslighting and advocating for greater awareness and intervention. It equips viewers with the knowledge to recognize and react to emotional abuse—a theme that, while uncomfortable, is necessary for fostering healthier interpersonal dynamics.

YOUR REALITY is a film of significant merit, blending psychological insight with dramatic flair. It offers a narrative rich with tension and emotional depth and imparts vital lessons on the complexities of love twisted into control. While it may falter in some technical aspects, the film’s robust message and compelling storytelling ensure its place as an essential work in the landscape of modern cinema. I would fully support seeing this film play out over a feature-length presentation, so many moments would be helped by having more time to dive into them and explore the themes deeper.

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[photo courtesy of DAWN SKY FILMS]

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