Cade Morrison and Andrew Rogers as Evo and Darm are the protagonists of a theatrical mis en scene at a cottage they rented as the perfect place into the woods to write poetry and paint, or so they thought.
The film starts when night is falling and its darkness embraces the couple, as so does fear. They realize there is no phone line, a German Shepherd dog awaits outside for them to chase and bite, wind as a menacing presence blows, a stone breaks into the room and they find out their car has been vandalized since its four tires are flat. There is no TV and all news (even before the stations gets them) are heard from an Ever-Ready radio.
Seems something is wrong, they talk and talk, they also speak of their skills and limitations all night (and film) long. Is it paranoia or real concerns (harrasment, homophobia) are in the air? To rest or sleep is not allowed. Are there reasons to be afraid of or is it all due to their overly creative imaginations?
Seems story is set decades ago, but its threatening atmosphere feels familiar and updated.
Finally, after a long night of unrest, dawn comes, warm light brings comfort and the survivors protagonists may go out.
During the last minutes the film provides enlightening ideas, we watch the couple walking away holding hands, and there are striking images of the house and its surroundings that may translate into words for a very contemporary statement.
Directed by Vincent Zambrano from a screenplay by Frederik Kirwin based on his novel, it is now streaming on Amazon Prime.
Review by José Mayorga , Guatemala, Central America lawyer and notary public, visual artist, and editor of El Azar Cultural, lives and works in Guatemala City. Cinema lover, curious about the possibilities life brings and eager to live the experience.
Labels: 2024, Andrew Rogers, Cade Morrison, Dog Bites Man, Frederik Kirwin, Vincent Zambrano
