Short Film Review

Film Info:
Through a series of tragic events, a middle aged man grows to suspect the negative impulses plaguing his mind may not be
his own.

Written By: Richard Powell
Directed By: Richard Powell
Genre: Horror
24 Minutes

IndyRed.com

FAMILIAR ( 2012 )

  Well. Here it comes. Fatal Pictures Familiar.  As a sequel (Or prequel) of sorts to the film Worm, I was expecting a lot of the same. Turns out that 'A lot of the same' is really nothing the same at all. Except maybe for the lead (Robert Nolan) playing the twin brother with the ill-fated family name. Or maybe there's more the same here than we care to admit? And by that I mean it kind of makes me look at the film "Worm" a little differently.  Anyhow. Back on topic. Familiar. 
  Do you know that little voice inside your head that sometimes urges you to do things? Both good and bad? We call it simply "Thinking" and like it or not, it's there, in all of us. For some though, that voice gets louder and becomes unbearable. The human psyche is a fragile thing. And mental illness is becoming a factor in more and more peoples lives. So what goes on in one such mind? This is the setting for Familiar. Much like the previous movie "Worm". Here however, in this gem of a story something more sinister is revealed. Quite nicely I must add.

  Now. I'm not to easily impressed, but this damn short film looks fantastic! When you say Independent versus HollyWood we all have visions of what one looks like compared to the other. And the visual style and editing of this film not only blurs that line, but almost erases it completely. It's all here. The smooth panning shots right down to the 'I can't tell where the edits are' edits. The only way to do it any justice is to watch it when you can. It looks great. What's more? The slow dread that begins to build up as you watch is done so perfectly! Some may call it atmosphere, but I call it damn good writing. And considering the limited settings in the film my previous statement is an even bigger compliment.

  The acting is superb. Something I've come to expect from Mr. Nolan. I do think that he's outdone himself this time though. The narration he gives during the movie itself is really quite amazing. The supporting cast are no slouches either. Doing a fantastic job in their roles and completely destroying the 'Cheese' factor. What the viewer sees from them are perfectly played characters. Excellent!

  So. What are my overall thoughts on this film? A polished, very well acted short that completely draws you in. And the best part? It's when what you think is going on is, in fact not the case at all. A nice ending to a great film.
If it were last year, and my reviews were still a little 'Easier'  I would have given this film a solid 5. But, I'm getting much pickier now and harder to please.

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