The Point of Regret and Bringing Secrets Out of the Dark: A Movie Review

*full disclosure: a screener of this film was provided by Gravitas Ventures.

**here be some spoilers.

Director/writer: Simon Tate.

The reality of sexual abuse in Canada is that there were 13,600 reported child victims in 2008. Even more disturbing is the likelihood that only 10% of such cases are reported. In the fictional world of film, sexual abuse has been a theme in films like Sleepers (1996) and Mysterious Skin (2004). In The Point of Regret, the topic is equally disturbing as the character William (Aj Nicol) reveals his past years of torture. Somehow the film manages to be uplifting despite the dark subject matter. Perhaps just talking about such a disheartening part of society can bring others forward to reveal their secrets.

William has spent thirty years in prison after murdering his father and mother at the age of eleven. The public demanded the death penalty for this youth offender, but their was, as lawyers like to say, a motive. William could not speak of the horrors in his youth. As an adult, he finds Ryan (Christopher Hatherall) a struggling local reporter. He begins to tell his tale of sexual abuse at the hands of his father and the rescuing of his brother, Richard. However, he is unable to move forward from his past. Sexuality is equated to pain for this character from here on out. As well, Ryan now has the story of his career, but is he too close to it?

Ryan is really the protagonist in the story. He is a family man struggling to rise above bills, the temptation of infidelity and a life of the mundane. William brings the excitement; however, he also brings a new truth for Ryan. William is the antagonist. He is constantly conflicting with Ryan about when to reveal the truth of his past. The truth comes out in the end after some cat and mouse discussions. Meanwhile, Kat (Siobhan Bermingham) is left at home with the insecurities of her marriage. Is Ryan philandering or is he actually following the story of his life? A sub-plot involving more infidelity looms on the periphery for this character also.

The tone of this film is a little dark and some might not enjoy the subject matter as entertainment. But, sometimes film is about confronting difficult topics. Also, The Point of Regret is not really out to educate. Yet, for a film made for under 500 pounds, the film is a testament to the strength inherent in indie filmmaking. The story is relayed with some great dialogue and the writing makes the events in the film almost seem real. Is this fiction or someone's reality? As the statistic above suggests, this story is taking place somewhere right now.

The Point of Regret is a tense dramatic thriller with an interesting but disturbing storyline. The film is never graphic, thankfully and director Simon Tate offers a heart-wrenching tale of abuse that will not soon be forgotten. This film is sometimes stark, but somehow The Point of Regret rises above its theme to offer a message of sacrifice. That message comes through most strongly when the protagonist realizes what his life could have been like without William's intervention.

Overall: 7.5 out of 10 (good writing, good characters, believable, film quality is moderate, powerful message).

*this title has released on video-on-demand this month (Jan. 2012).

A list of available video-on-demand retailers is available at Gravitas for this title:

Gravitas Ventures' Homepage

A staggering statistic involving violence and youth in Canada is available here (eye opening):

Sexual Abuse Statistics at Stat. Can.

 |  |  | 

Advertise Here - Contact me Michael Allen at 28DLA

Subscribe to 28 Days Later: An Analysis Email Subscription

Posted in: 2012,2012 release,gravitas ventures,movie review,sexual abuse,sexuality,torture