rollmftide
Joined Mar 2020
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Reviews5
rollmftide's rating
I gave the film a 1. Like others said, so. So bad. But I gave it another 1 for Yancy Butler. I have loved her ever since The Ex. Too bad she's not in a better film.
The torture was mine, as I struggling to make it past the 1 hour mark without slipping into a coma. I finally gave up at 1:02. The pain was in watching each dreadfully boring scene linger... and linger... and linger. The misery was in realizing I had paid $5 to bore myself to the point of tears. But, if you really want to know the details so you don't think I'm just unfairly taking out my frustrations on this film by throwing vague insults...
The direction moved at a snails pace, or slower. And I wish I was exaggerating, but I am not. The dialogue was minimal and delivered with a total lack of enthusiasm by any of the actors. The camera work made things even worse. Long, slow still shots from weird angles or perspectives. There was no action, no character development, no witty dialogue, no suspense, nothing to make you care about anyone or anything in the film. Maybe something happens at the very end, I'll never know.
And, lastly, I understand this is a low budget film. I actually like low budget, independent films. But the problems in this movie had little to do with the budget. It really seemed like an intentional, stylistic choice. And that choice was a bad one.
The direction moved at a snails pace, or slower. And I wish I was exaggerating, but I am not. The dialogue was minimal and delivered with a total lack of enthusiasm by any of the actors. The camera work made things even worse. Long, slow still shots from weird angles or perspectives. There was no action, no character development, no witty dialogue, no suspense, nothing to make you care about anyone or anything in the film. Maybe something happens at the very end, I'll never know.
And, lastly, I understand this is a low budget film. I actually like low budget, independent films. But the problems in this movie had little to do with the budget. It really seemed like an intentional, stylistic choice. And that choice was a bad one.
This film reminded me of magician Harry Houdini and his mission to expose fake mediums. But The Seance has a modern, updated approach for today's audience. The film spends a lot of time on character development as it focuses more on the interactions of the two leads rather than jump scares.
As far as the acting goes, Julia McIlvain steals the opening scene with a stunning performance. From there, Michael Minto and Miranda Skerman take over and do a great job of pulling the viewer in, as we learn more and more about Nate, Andy and what has lead them each to this time and place.
The direction came across as up close and personal, like you are a welcomed bystander, watching the conversation and events of the evening unfold. And the score was excellent!
There are some limitations, as with any small budget indie flick. But, all in all, it was much more than I expected. Those that are looking for gore may be disappointed. But those wanting to see and hear a story should be quite entertained.
As far as the acting goes, Julia McIlvain steals the opening scene with a stunning performance. From there, Michael Minto and Miranda Skerman take over and do a great job of pulling the viewer in, as we learn more and more about Nate, Andy and what has lead them each to this time and place.
The direction came across as up close and personal, like you are a welcomed bystander, watching the conversation and events of the evening unfold. And the score was excellent!
There are some limitations, as with any small budget indie flick. But, all in all, it was much more than I expected. Those that are looking for gore may be disappointed. But those wanting to see and hear a story should be quite entertained.