I wasn't expecting to like this movie much so the fact that I love it speaks volume. The story pulled me in and even though the plot twist at the end which I won't reveal (spoiled in other reviews anway) isn't as well executed as one might hope, it still took me by surprise and felt satisfying.
The acting by lead actor Chad Connell as Daniel is by far the best aspect as he delivers a solid and restrained, subtle yet effective performance as a tormented gay man trying to come to grips with his reality. The worst aspect is David Cameron as Alexander who gives a jittery and nervous performance often sounding fake and not really convincing yet he doesn't hurt the movie as much as he could have because he has a fair chemistry with Daniel. Yet this makes me wonder how even better the movie could have been with a different actor.
The cinematography, the direction and the editing were all very good and I really liked that they succeed in showing us how Daniel perceives the world by using different technical tricks and just how conflicted the character is with the actor making the pain and confusion palpable. I first wanted to give this 7 stars but had to deduct 1 for the acting of Cameron yet Connell's performance elevates the movie so much that I added back 2 stars for a strong final rating of 8.
This is by no means a perfect movie nor will it entice everyone watching, some might find it too slow and convoluted and yes, there are some scenes that made me cringe (mostly because of the Alexander character) but overall I really enjoyed it. Somehow the story stayed with me which is always a good sign that a movie achieved what it set out to do, entertain yet touch us in a way that might make a difference. Very well done and I highly recommend it.
The acting by lead actor Chad Connell as Daniel is by far the best aspect as he delivers a solid and restrained, subtle yet effective performance as a tormented gay man trying to come to grips with his reality. The worst aspect is David Cameron as Alexander who gives a jittery and nervous performance often sounding fake and not really convincing yet he doesn't hurt the movie as much as he could have because he has a fair chemistry with Daniel. Yet this makes me wonder how even better the movie could have been with a different actor.
The cinematography, the direction and the editing were all very good and I really liked that they succeed in showing us how Daniel perceives the world by using different technical tricks and just how conflicted the character is with the actor making the pain and confusion palpable. I first wanted to give this 7 stars but had to deduct 1 for the acting of Cameron yet Connell's performance elevates the movie so much that I added back 2 stars for a strong final rating of 8.
This is by no means a perfect movie nor will it entice everyone watching, some might find it too slow and convoluted and yes, there are some scenes that made me cringe (mostly because of the Alexander character) but overall I really enjoyed it. Somehow the story stayed with me which is always a good sign that a movie achieved what it set out to do, entertain yet touch us in a way that might make a difference. Very well done and I highly recommend it.