Rewind and Play Again: A Movie Review

*full disclosure: a DVD screener of this film was provided by Grand Entertainment Group.

Director: P.J. Dillon.

Writers: Ronan Carr, P.J. Dillon, and Roger Karshan.

Cast: Allen Leech, Amy Huberman, Sophie Brosnan, and Owen McDonnell.

Tagline: "The past cannot be erased."

It is not very often that this reviewer gets to see a film from the ol' country. The Irish film Rewind makes that wait all the more sweet. Rewind is P.J. Dillon's first feature as director and this production was funded by the Irish Film Board. Small in structure, this title provides an excellent performance from Amy Huberman as the protagonist, Karen. Her performance and the film's gritty reality create for an exceptional film watching experience.

The film's story is set up loosely like a love triangle. Karen led a life of scheming and debauchery seven years prior to the events in the film. During this earlier time, she began working with the character Karl (Allen Leech). They were lovers and addicts who were both looking for an easy score. Karl served time for a stabbing, while Karen moved on and married. Now, Karl has come back and he wants to settle a score with Karen.

Amy Huberman as Karen

The highlight of this film is Huberman's showing as Karen. She seems like a character tormented and ashamed of her drug fueled past. She is believably afraid when Karl enters her life again. Torn between her past and the present, Huberman is always showing believable emotion. This is likely why she won "Best Actress" at the Irish Film and Television Awards.

Because this is P.J. Dillon's first film in the director's seat, there are a few foibles made. The credit sequence seems a little too fancy and it looks like the director wanted to simply test out his camera by focusing on inane elements. Later, interludes between scenes focus on the foreground while a blurry character or characters moves about in the background. These interludes are almost completely pointless and they serve to distract. However, night shoots and exterior shots are exceptionally shot. Only some of the camera work is shot in less than a powerful way.

Other film elements such as music, and story create some ambivalence. The stroking of piano keys is overdone and too loud. This soundtrack would have been better if placed farther into the background. It just conflicts with the events onscreen. The story is so well written and performed that it truly drew this film fan in. Every person has a past and Karen's is a little darker than most, but her mistakes are easily believed. These two elements create some conflict in one's enjoyment while viewing this title.

However, this film fan has no problem recommending this film to fans of smaller European films. Drama enthusiasts will also find something here. Even thriller fans will want to take notice of this title. Released on DVD August 28th through Grand Entertainment Group, Rewind is a very well told title with Huberman's performance well worth seeing. Just do not expect any happy endings when you put the disc into your player. This is a tale of tragedy, after all.

Overall: 7.5 out of 10 (great story, excellent performances, good settings, a good climax and denouement).

*the film is a little short at 80 minutes.

**budgeted at £275,000.

Rewind at Grand Entertainment Group:

Rewind's Homepage

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