Feature Film Review

Film Info:
"Promise Me" is an emotionally charged social drama in which a once flourishing woman, now at the end of her life, struggles to ensure that her recently reconciled son does not make the
same mistakes that she did.

Written By: Kevin Machate
Directed By: Kevin Machate
Genre: Drama
8 Minutes

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  If seeing the laurels on the poster was any indication, "Promise Me" was off to a good start assuming, of course you happen to judge a book by it's cover. I'll admit it, I do most of the time. I was just hoping this wouldn't turn out to be one of those duds I happen across from time to time. It surely couldn't be, and it wasn't. I can honestly say that "Promise Me" will probably become most notable for its behaviorally accurate portrayal of the subject matter. I shudder when I think of how wrong this whole short film could have gone; I don't have to think of such things however, the source material was handled nicely, and done justice by the cast and crew of the film. Unlike a lot of other film-festival indies that rely on surprises thrown into the mix, "Promise Me" is held together by a sturdy narrative that pushes the story along, and should be discovered and watched by viewers. It would be a great dis-service to the community if this one slipped through unnoticed.
  I don't have a lot to complain about when it comes to the production aspects themselves. We have some nice lensing performed by Andrew Baird, complimenting the film by not getting to crazy behind the camera. The audio is well recorded and mixed, as is film editing itself, performed by Todd Rodgers I believe. This is all finished off with some excellent performances from all the main cast, as well as the supporting characters. I have to say, children actors in indie films can go either way, usually to the extreme in either direction. I was glad that the needle pointed to the green in this case. Even as a supporting character, a young actress could easily ruin the mood of any film. Not the case here. Excellent job to all the cast and the crew for a top-notch production breathing life into Kevin Machate's screenplay. I was thrilled to have gotten one of the first looks.
  While I was moved by the film's gentle conclusions on aging, life and free will, I was more impressed by how genuinely real this film feels: around 8 minutes spent with fictional people who come across as real as you or me. This is no small feat and should be treated by others with the respect it deserves. To the cast and crew of "Promise Me", you guys have put together something quite great for an indie flick. Pat yourselves on the back, job well done.
-JT

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