Feature Film Review

Film Info:
A man accidentally bumps into the
priest who abused him when he was a child at a local coffee shop, sending him on a twisted journey through his past.

Written By: Skip Shea
Directed By: Skip Shea
Genre: Drama
84 Minutes

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TRINITY ( 2016 )

  Two things above all else make it a real treat to be a fan and reviewer of indie films. The first is the privilege, in many cases, to be one of the first to watch. The second is being forced to give a movie a chance, something many people simply don't have to do. Being completely honest, if I were simply browsing, and came across "Trinity", I may have passed after the first few minutes; as a reviewer however, I was forced past the initial segments and am very glad I was. Being made to watch films in full, at times, ends up a great experience. So how does this all relate to "Trinity"? Exactly how you think it does. Skip Shea delivers a film that does just what it should. Delivers an emotional punch.
  When deciding an overall personal rating for the movie I was a little torn. "Trinity" is one of those films that is not only hard to explain, but also hard to wrap your head around what you actually feel about it. The deciding factor for me all came down to my emotional pulls. This film got under my skin at times, evoking that eerie, creepy emotion that is not exactly fear, loathing or simple unease... rather a mix of all and a few more I can't really name. Using the term "under my skin" really is the best description. When factoring in some of the negatives of the flick with the positive aspects, it all came down to that one simple thing. Emotion. I've seen studio films that were technically flawless, with stellar performances from the cast... that did nothing for me emotionally. So in the end, any film that can get my emotional juices flowing is well worth the higher personal rating. That was it for me, simple emotion decided as it should.
  Here's where things always get a little tricky, the technical aspects of any film. "Trinity" is no different. Let me start by writing that for the most part, the camera work and audio are spot on, with a stellar score keeping you stuck in the film. A few instances of blurring and a little more camera movement than I personally prefer, but I'm pretty sure most of this was left in on purpose. I'm a stickler for technical issues that scream "independent", and could easily have been fixed. In this particular case however, I'm willing to drop the subject after this line... and I will.
  Although a little long winded overall, the way "Trinity" has all been pieced together actually does compliment and push forward the general narrative. Leaving 20 or so minutes on the cutting room floor may have quickened the pace considerably, while making "Trinity" a little more friendly to the casual viewer; but in keeping with the overall feel of the film, the long winded approach did feel right to me. Let me be clear, being an "artsy" film means it won't be for everyone, so I completely understand the editors decisions. However, a tighter edit may have made "Trinity" less "artsy", and much more accessible to the general population. As I wrote above, getting past the first few minutes ends up being the reward of the movie, but a slicker, leaner edit may have made that process much easier for the casual viewer.
  Lastly I would love to touch a little on the acting. Easiest way to describe? Mixed bag. While I do think Sean Carmichael does a fantastic job as Michael, the lead, I also recognize that a lot of the supporting cast provide some very inconsistent performances. The entire spectrum is present. Scripted and hollow right through to good and even great! This isn't a single person thing, rather a scene by scene situation. The uneven performances come from the same people, at different times. Still, things never got so bad the movie became unwatchable. When one deals with a complicated script or character acting is not so easy, so all things considered, the acting never went down the "horrible" road, rather just an uneven one.
  "Trinity" will reward those who get past the first bit with an emotional hit. The gravy is the sad yet strangely entertaining story Mr. Shea is allowing to unfold before your eyes. The very nature of "Trinity" demands your attention and you will give it. The unusual style of the film, right down to numerous instances of "breaking that fourth wall" screams something different... yet sadly familiar at the same time. My personal recommendation is to connect with this film via the social links to the left. When the time comes, watching this film will remind you why people watch movies to start with. The fact that it's an indie is just all the more reason to clap at the end.
-JT

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