FILM INFO: A mothers long time missing daughter begins to reach out to her across time and space. could it be a drug induced delusion or does Kate really possess the ability to cross over.
WRITTEN BY: Paul Wright DIRECTED BY: Paul Wright GENRE: Horror, Sci-Fi TIME: 10 minutes.
Mixing science fiction and horror has always been a fun past time for writers and directors. Similarities have always been the key, and both elements can scare or make a person uneasy in equal measures. "Fissure" is what I would consider a successful blend. Writer, director Paul Wright has managed to walk the line and kept his balance, more proof that sure and steady wins the race. Alternate worlds, tears leading into other dimensions, creatures, drama and that "going crazy" feeling have long been the staple of a great franchise. The world unseen. That place never meant to be traveled. Why would I mention franchise? Simply because I can easily see a sequel or series being developed. "Fissure" leaves the door wide open for future visitations. The worst nightmare of most parents is the loss of a child. Any natural disaster scenario is hard enough, such as: Drowning, falling... car accident. What's worse however, is if said child simply vanishes. No trace, just gone. The mental and emotional stresses are more than many people can take. Understandably so. Obvious depression, break-ups, booze and drugs... the inevitable downward spiral of everyone affected. Many recover yet are scarred for life. Others simply don't do so well. That's the premise played upon in this film as our lead Kate slips into a cycle of depression and drugs. The years pass and things only seem to worsen. A scenario many could relate with, although nobody I could think of would ever want to. As Kate continues to have visions of her missing daughter, residing somewhere not quite of this planet or dimension, the viewer is left wondering how much of her "visions" are actually real? How many, if not all, are simply the symptoms of a drug induced depression. That's the game plan "Fissure" runs with, introducing all these emotional stresses that in a more dramatic role, would be excellent fodder for any psychology scholar. In Paul Wright's production however, things are quite a bit more insidious. The production elements are one of the areas this title excels at delivering. Some really cool special effects are in place, reminding me quite a bit of the Butterfly Effect films... at least the first one anyhow. Shots are handled nicely, audio is excellent and the post process, including editing and coloring, all fit perfectly into Mr. Wright's carefully molded film. The cast led by Emma Laidlaw all perform excellently, and I really have no complaints on the general technicalities of the film. Mostly. As I mentioned above, "Fissure" leaves the door wide open for more in the future. This is a great aspect of the film... however, it also has a downside. Things later on in the movie begin moving at lightning speed. I feel a lot was left out that really could have enhanced the overall experience. The ending itself was a great set-up for more to come... but what if that never happens? The open ending makes us expect more in the future, even if nothing ever materializes. I'm all for open endings such as this, but it would have been great to have had a little bit more. Even a few minutes. When it's all said and done, this is an excellent indie production that really doesn't look independent at all. No different than trying out a brand new television show on for size. We don't know the story or characters, but if it's a good show... we want to. The visual style is interesting, the concepts are smart enough to go in multiple directions, and generally speaking, this was an excellent short film. I just wish we could have seen more, and that the contents of the "fissure" had been explored a little more in depth. This is one to connect with and watch for. We'll post the trailer in the links once one has been released. In the meantime, why not jump over and send a like or follow?