A Complex Killing Character in Forgetting the Girl: A Movie Review

*full disclosure: a DVD screener of this film was provided by Ram Releasing.

*possible spoilers ahead.

Director: Nate Taylor.

Writer: Peter Moore Smith.

Cast: Christopher Denham, Lindsay Beamish, Elizabeth Rice and Paul Sparks.

Forgetting the Girl is a psychological thriller, set in New York City. The film takes elements from a stage play, with the protagonist revealing himself to a camera and to the audience over time. Often told through a first person narrative, Forgetting the Girl is an intriguing film. The mystery is built by the character Kevin (Christopher Denham), who has a dark past. Well shot and well acted, Forgetting the Girl is a suspenseful thriller and one that should find a wide audience.

The story begins and ends with the complex character Kevin. Kevin is a photographer, who shoots models and actresses in the Big Apple. He mixes business with pleasure. And soon, Kevin is taking his clients out on the town. But, Kevin brings a sordid past to each of his short flings. A childhood trauma lies repressed just below the surface of this character's psyche. Sideplots develop in the dark streets of NYC. But, essentially, this is a film about Kevin and his struggles with a childhood memory.

A widescreen shot of Kevin and character Jamie.

Forgetting the Girl is a solid psychological thriller. Much of the film's time is spent looking into Kevin's broken psyche. Initially, he is lonely, desperate and needy. As time goes by, he comes to terms with some of his wounds. The conflict in the film comes from Kevin's struggle with the internal. And, viewers will have to stay with the film to find out how this character deals with such an unsettling force.

Kevin is both the protagonist and antagonist in this title. There is really no external villains, nor a competing external force. Instead, the conflicts are more internal and not obvious (at least at first). Most watchers will try to figure out certain characters' motivations and actions off-screen. But, these elements are only revealed in later scenes, during the third act. This singularity of protagonist and antagonist creates a very interesting, but disturbed individual.

This film is both well shot and told in an interesting fashion. Forgetting the Girl was shot with an anamorphic widescreen lens, to allow greater visual coverage. Also, the film looks unusually clear and colourful. Images are very crisp on the screen. As well, the story for the film is a small one; sideplots are relegated to a few short romances. However, the focus of the story is on one tormented individual. Actor Christopher Denham gets all of the subtle nuances of his character Kevin and the film's story holds the attention, all the way to the credits. Forgetting the Girl is a well produced experience.

Forgetting the Girl was released on DVD April 1st, 2014, through Ram Releasing and fans of thrillers will want to add this film to their collection. The film is composed of several extraordinary actors. And, director Nate Taylor's first feature is a compelling affair. Full of mystery and suspense, Kevin's dating life and late night stalkings are full of memorable interactions and conflicts. But, much of the action is left off-screen and this action relies on the viewer's imagination to be fleshed out.

Overall: 7.6 out of 10 (a strong script, reliance on only a few characters, a small story with a few surprises).

A trailer for the film is available here:

Forgetting the Girl's Official Trailer w/Trailer


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