When i randomly stumbled upon the trailer for DOSE OF REALITY, i was really thrilled. I kind of saw it as a return to the screen for a Fairuza Balk that had been spared from movie appearances in the last few years. And did I enjoy this film! I used to love the lady in the nineties and followed her movie career onward but this particular film, being as different as it was? This psychological thriller, flirting on the line of horror helped me reconcile with her.
In the middle of the night, more precisely around 2 A.M, bartender Matt (Ryan Merriman) is about to close when he discovers a bloodied, unconscious young woman on the bathroom floor. He immediately warns Tony (Rick Ravanello), the bar manager. The problem is that they'll happen to have a good reason not to want the cops showing up in the place and so Tony decides that they should wait for Rose ( Balk) to wake and help her demystify the whole thing.
Another problem is that she eventually wakes up and as the two men become suspects in her attempt to remember who did this to her and how. Do they want to help a young lady who could be a little less innocent that she appears at first sight?
I hate to be drawn to tell one thing to get the viewers in sometimes. Since saying only one thing about films like DOSE always make me feel like I'm giving away too much, yet, watching this film one must admit that I didn't give anything away yet.
Despite all of the talent displayed in this little indie film, an emotionally surprising Rick Ravanello and a director able to catch my attention as much with his images as with his own writing. Credits to Chris Glatis for keeping me off balance during the whole thing but still having fun in a way that I wasn't that bothered with what the ending would be (I didn't care before it came). Most of the film is carried on the shoulders of a remarkable Fairuza Balk. Master at her art and at her peek during the whole ride. One of her few roller-coaster character roles that stuck to me like glue! Really happy I watched it.
As much as I loved DOSE, the film might not be suited for everyone as it is more of a dialogue driven movie. Almost a play if you will. But I had a lot of fun watching it despite some flaws that were always quickly turned on their heads with the direction that the script was taking. And they seem to have caught some actors that are used to go "Over the Top" let's face it. But if you can enjoy yourself watching movies that won't spare twists, and/or can love characters when their personas, intentions and behaviors aren't clear and spoiled randomly during the play, you should give this one a go! We sometimes tend to put the emphasis on the word "Different" but I loved about this one that I expected something and ended up fed with something else.
This film noir done, performances as heavy and intense emotionally as those by Balk and Ravanello, shouldn't allow the average human being to walk out of them unaffected, Bravo!
I'm Really trying to find out more about Chris Glatis previous work. I'd love to have the chance to see his movie CALLBACK. And really looking forward to his next steps, whenever they come.
