Playback is about a sad, warped father/daughter relationship portrayed after the police find her nude corpse in bed, having died suddenly and far too early in life. Much of the story is told in flashbacks, as well as videotapes that the daughter, Stephanie (Tiffany Bowyer), recorded of her sexual escapades. The father, Steven (Rob Terrell), is a detective who is called in to investigate her death before it's even known that she is his daughter. He then insists on investigating it on his own without his cop partner. After a while, we understand the reasoning behind his insistence, and it's not just because he's a heartbroken father.
Playback is rather frustrating to watch, since a fair chunk of the movie is out of focus (including the entire opening scene) and there is plenty of herky-jerky camera-work. But it's a unique film that presents a family dynamic that isn't often shown in films from this sub-genre. A dynamic that is probably far too common and very rarely given exposure.
You're likely to begin developing a rage towards Steven as his actions during the investigation indicate a heinous outcome, but there is a twist yet to come. It won't make you feel much better about Steven, but at least you know he gave himself a good look in the mirror.
I gave this an extra star for having the balls to do what it did, but it could have been so much more if the premise was developed, written, and directed with more clarity. The acting performances are fine for what they were given and directed to do, though the only one who really enjoyed a long career in film is James Duvall (one of the four main characters).
James Avallone wrote, produced and directed (I was one of the few who loved "Mad Cowgirl," where he was cinematographer). Playback is well worth a watch if you can overlook the sometimes-terrible...or at least ill-advised...direction. If you're ready to abandon the movie after 20 or 30 minutes, I don't blame you, but first skip ahead to one hour into the film, where you'll find it begins to spill its beans.
