MOVIE REVIEW
Dirty Bad Wrong
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Genre: Drama, Short
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 14m
Director(s): Erica Orofino
Writer(s): Erica Orofino
Cast: Jack Greig, Michaela Kurimsky, Cody Ray Thompson, Chantel Winters
Where To Watch: world premiere at the 2024 Fantasia Film Festival

RAVING REVIEW: In the heart of the film DIRTY BAD WRONG, we find a vivid portrayal of human resilience shadowed by the stark realities of a mother striving to provide the ultimate birthday bash against a backdrop of personal and economic struggle. This narrative explores the complex interplay between societal expectations and personal sacrifice. What extremes would you be willing to go to for the ones you love?

As the story unfolds, we encounter Sidney “Sid,” a character brought to life with raw intensity by Michaela Kurimsky. Sid is surviving and battling through each day with tenacity and vulnerability. This performance, rich in nuance, firmly establishes Kurimsky as a force in character-driven narratives. How much intensity and heart can be shown in just 14 minutes is wild!

The young Jesse, portrayed by Jack Greig, adds a layer of emotional heart to the film. Jesse’s experience, viewed through the lens of a gender-queer child in an uncertain and tumultuous environment, is depicted with a remarkable blend of innocence and wisdom, contributing to the film’s emotional pull.

Further complexity is woven into the story through Cody Thompson’s portrayal of John Doe, a character whose interactions with Sid blur the lines between professional and personal, revealing the multifaceted nature of human connections, even under the most unconventional circumstances. This is one of those roles that will shock some and appall others; the intensity of this character and the reactions of others make this film.

At the helm, Erica Orofino employs a gritty, handheld cinematography style that enhances the film’s raw and authentic feel. This choice is deliberate, emphasizing the harsh realities of the characters' lives and underscoring the film's thematic depth. Orofino’s directorial approach is a testament to her ability to merge genre elements, pushing traditional filmmaking's boundaries seamlessly. Where exactly does horror meet drama and drama meet thriller?

Upon its premiere at the Fantasia International Film Festival, DIRTY BAD WRONG will be met with acclaim, resonating with an audience well-versed in genre films. This highlights the film’s success in striking a chord through its bold exploration of societal fringes. What is and isn’t taboo, and what happens behind closed doors?

My appreciation for DIRTY BAD WRONG extends beyond its brief runtime. In just 14 minutes, the film conveys a wealth of emotion and narrative depth, making each moment rich with significance. Yet, it brilliantly leaves a lingering curiosity, a craving to dive deeper into the lives of its characters and the consequences of their choices. This masterful blend of storytelling precision and tantalizing ambiguity satisfies and sparks a genuine desire to explore more of this intriguing world.

DIRTY BAD WRONG is a journey that delves into what it means to endure and overcome in the face of overwhelming odds. It reminds us of the depths to which we can be pushed and explores the lengths we will go for love and survival. Yes, I left this review pretty vague, and that was intentional; this is a film that needs to be seen and experienced, one that you won’t fully understand until these images hit you!

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[photo courtesy of CANADIAN FILM CENTRE]

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