Recoil

I have been reviewing films for Newport Beach over the last 15 years. After attending the "careful what you short for" series, I was utterly impressed by Recoil; The score, the visuals, the actors, and the surprisingly emotive story interwoven with a unique plot via science fiction tropes. It's rare when you go to a film festival and you are completely surprised by a film. Although, it was grouped with domestic dramas, and Recoil is not without its flaws, it stole the show and stood out tall. I was on my way to my car when I just had to go back and let the director know how impressed I was and then learned it was a student film. That final fact blew me away. I don't typically buy into science fiction or fantasy (which is what will hurt this film in the festival circuit), so the screening group gave this film life that it absolutely deserved. Kudos.