REVIEWS FOR INDEPENDENT FILM, LOW BUDGET FILM, SHORT FILM & WEB SERIES
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Domestic abuse is that ugly monster hiding under the bed of so many different people. It's one of those things where both the abused - and the abuser are often ashamed of what's going on. So if that's the case, why does it happen so often? Everywhere - all around the world? The answer is as simple as toast in my opinion. Passion. Love. Emotions. With such strong emotions come passionate responses. How can you claim to have strong feelings for a person, if those feelings don't swing both ways? Love. Anger. And yet so many people can, and do, control the negative side. So many people, as angry as they get, don't actually want to physically hurt anyone. Mentally? That's another story... but only to a certain extent.
Now, let me write about the darker side of emotions. Those feelings of possession and entitlement. Control. Controlling what - and who - we love is the trap of emotions. It feeds anger. It feeds jealousy. To love is to control... or as abusers often put it - protect their loved ones. It's all very justified at first, then slips into that uncontrollable realm of hostility, leaving only one question. Does the abuser actually still love their victim? Or is nothing left except to have control over them? Adrian Batista's short film "Mine" falls into the control category. Control escalating finally to physical abuse. It's the story of two old friends. It's the story of a couple. A story many of us can relate with. What do you do when your "friend" begins abusing his girlfriend? How much weight does a long friendship have when confronted with the notion he abuses his girl? How far? "Mine" is a touchy film that is as entertaining as it is awkward. Awkward because it asks these questions, and makes us think of those "friends" most of us have... or have had. It also happens to be free to watch. Can't beat that. I did play with my rating on this one a little. On one hand, Fernanda Caride directs a powerful short film, that was easy to get into. Easy to watch, and easier to sympathize with certain characters. On the other hand... it's made up of a collection of shaking, jittering shots that fully reminded me of a modern version of Blair Witch. I hate hand-held styled movies. Nothing screams low budget more. And yet... "Mine" was pieced together nicely. Had some really good acting, and a story that really does stir those emotions. Could I look past the shaky camera work? Yes. Yes I could... and did. There were moments when the style worked for this film, and by about half way through I had forgotten all about the shake. Maybe it was the nice performances? Maybe it was the content. No matter. At the end of the day I was hooked. Line and sinker.
So for all you guys on the fence about this film - there really is no reason not to have a look. It's quick. It's good... and it's free. In my humble opinion, an easy three out of five stars. |
