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THEY REMAIN (2018)

5/30/2018

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THEY REMAIN (2018)
Directed by: Philip Gelatt
Written by: Laird Barron (short story) and Philip Gelatt
Director of Photography: Sean Kirby
Music: Tom Keohane
Cast:
Keith: William Jackson Harper
Jessica: Rebecca Henderson



“Cult Following”
Based on Laird Barron’s 2010 short story “-30-“, THEY REMAIN is a moody, slow-moving thriller
that debuted last October at the H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival. It seems entirely appropriate that the movie first screened there, because it tackles a very Lovecraftian theme: the interconnection between geography and madness. THEY REMAIN certainly understands this theme, as well as that concerning the folly of dreams. The film opens with the Lovecraft quote, “Wise men have interpreted dreams, and the gods have laughed.” THEY REMAIN is an intriguing film, though it may be too safe and staid for many horror film fans.


THEY REMAIN focuses on the relationship between Keith and Jessica, two scientists who are employed by an impersonal (and therefore cold-hearted) corporation to investigate horrors that took place at the remote encampment of a mysterious cult. Working and living in a state-of-the-art, high tech environment that is completely at odds with their stark surroundings (their tents are a sleek, simple marvel of all-white), they spend their days gathering physical evidence, analyzing it, and reporting on their findings.


Inevitably their close work (and isolation) bring the two together sexually. But after Jessica discovers a mysterious artifact of unknown origin, the dynamic between them changes: we go from secrecy to sexual tension and ultimately to paranoia. On top of that, Keith begins to have visions (or are they hallucinations?). Are they real or are they nightmares? Through quick and effectively edited flashbacks, director Gelatt shows us the original cult family that has brought our scientists to the camp. It’s no surprise that the cult leader looks a good deal like Charles Manson…and his female disciples like Marianne Faithfull; when the cult turns on one another and the blood begins to fly, one can’t help but be reminded of the Manson family and the horrific Tate-LaBianca murders of 1969. When Keith questions the nature of this “family”, Jessica asks pointedly, “Does every cult resemble a family, or does every family resemble a cult?” We quickly understand how such families are created; they’re comprised of runaways, homeless, veterans and generally anyone alienated from society. A simplistic and, in this case, sinister combination.

THEY REMAIN walks the thin line of reality and imaginary. The audience doesn’t know what’s out in the woods; the horror could be physical, psychological…or worse, biological or supernatural (if those would be considered worse; pick your poison).


I’ll give the filmmakers credit. There’s a lot to admire in THEY REMAIN. The performances and direction are solid (Harper is particularly effective; you buy his mental breakdown without hesitation). And the music by Tom Keohane (some of which is eerily reminiscent of the synthesizer music John Carpenter was known for in the late 70’s/early 80’s) is memorable. But the highlight is Sean Kirby’s first-rate cinematography. Kirby’s previous work consisted primarily of shorts and documentaries, but his film work here is impeccable. Whether it be capturing soft sunlight or images of ugly savagery, Kirby always gives the viewer something to look at…and sometimes he gives us the only thing to look at.


THEY REMAIN is certainly a slow-burn kind of thriller. I found it to be a bit too slow burning, without a wholly satisfying payoff. So if you’re looking for slash-and-gore, look elsewhere. This is a pared-down, well-made but ultimately average thriller that has some interesting ideas but fails to make an impact. With THEY REMAIN, this slow burner is all smoke and very little fire.



From the back row,
Darren McCullah
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ALTERED PERCEPTION (2017)

5/1/2018

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ALTERED PERCEPTION (2017)
Directed by: Kate Reed Davies
Written by: Jon Huertas, Jennifer Blanc, Travis Romero
Director of Photography: Steve Romano
Editing: Jon Artigo, Vance Crofoot
Cast:
Jon Huertas, Jade Tailor, Nichol Fynn, Jennifer Blanc, Matthew Ziff, Mark Burnham, Emrhys Cooper


“Truth Serum”
     Altered Perception is an intriguing if not altogether successful psychological thriller about the dangers of drug trials. The film opens with a quick montage of three different couples reaching a breaking point in their relationships; each responds with a threat of violence. Then we’re given a lengthy warning, a quote from a Forbes magazine article: “Drugs are tested by the people who manufacture them, in poorly designed trials, on hopelessly small numbers of weird, unrepresentative patients, and analyzed using techniques which are flawed by design, in such a way that they exaggerate the benefits of treatments.” That’s quite a load to kick-start a movie. Altered Perception doesn’t live up to this opening advisory, though it makes a somewhat compelling argument against medical trials; no one’s going to want to sign up for one after seeing this film.

     The weakest parts of Altered Perception are the scenes centering on a group of scientists and investigators as they discuss what went wrong on a new designer drug tested on six individuals (read: guinea pigs). The drug is intended to “correct the false perceptions that people develop during trauma and stress.” Advertised as a cure for socio-political tensions, it’s really a mind-fuck enhancer. Or, as one investigator condemns, “You gave them a drug that made them more hostile.” Of course this will lead some of the participants to commit violence…and even murder in one household. The problem with these round-table scenes is the complete lack of acting talent. Every line of dialogue comes off as dull or, worse, overly dramatic; there’s no tension to them. If you’re going to include multiple scenes of people sitting around a conference table, you had better be able to inject some emotional turmoil. And director Kate Reed Davies (and the actors) fails on this.

     Much stronger is the essential six-person cast of lab rats who have agreed to take this new drug (it’s administered with an injection into the eye, a nice ghoulish touch that will make many squirm). The actors here are solid, and a few are standouts. Couple number one is Andrew and Lorie (Huertas and Blanc), who have been married but battling over her past; she’s a former prostitute trying to put it all behind her, while her husband belittles her over it. Blanc is particularly strong as a woman ready to move on…but unable to do so because of her husband’s jealousy (when she reaches her breaking point, it’s real). Couple number two is Beth and Emily; Emily’s brother has been accused of raping her girlfriend Beth (an excellent Fynn), and the struggle comes from who Emily believes more. Couple three is Steven and Kristina, the beautiful couple who appear to have it all. But she’s suspicious, and he’s always working, a recipe for disaster. Each actor does a good job in their roles, and all are given moments to shine. The film works best when we see each seemingly happy couple unravel, with grave consequences.

     There’s a lot of talking (and loud arguing) in Altered Perception, and many horror fans will be clamoring for something more to happen. Are the final calamitous confrontations worth what comes before them? No. The movie seems to think that what it’s saying is more important than it actually is; we’re hit with multiple warnings (from that article in Forbes magazine) at the end, and by that point you may be rolling your eyes. But Altered Perception includes some intriguing ideas and some good performances. But if it’s truth you’re looking for, you won’t find it here. A few of the characters seem to be losing their sanity, and so may you after being exposed to the constant stream of screaming and paranoia.



From the back row,
Darren McCullah
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