Thursday, July 24, 2014
Michael Allen
Writer: Ben Kurstin.
Cast: Sara Gorsky, Cole Simon, and Tanya Thai McBride.
The Kickstarter campaign for Chrysalis described this film as a cross between Cormack McCarthy's The Road and 28 Days Later. Though, this film is much smaller than both of these apocalyptic films. Still, cinematographer and director John Klein captures the dark tone of these two films through the use of setting and characters. Everyone is just trying to survive, after an infection has ravaged the world. Chyrsalis is a true dystopian film. But, events are not too bleak as a trio moves about a rugged urban landscape. Truly indie, Chrysalis will resonate with many sci-fi or horror film fans.
Chrysalis is a film about the central characters Penelope (Sara Gorsky) and Josh (Cole Simon). This couple wanders about a rundown city, twenty-five years after an infection has wiped out most of humanity. Penelope and Josh have to keep their wits about them as the infected and wild dogs roam the city streets. This pair meet up with two more survivors and here, things get interesting. Abira (Tanya Thai McBride) is a ticking timebomb and a human refuge is very far away. Who will survive, if anyone?
Chrysalis offers a smallish story in the apocalypse. Settings are limited to a few interior settings, which often consist of abandoned apartments and warehouses. The settings are an urban explorers dreamscape, but a film survivor's nightmare. The infected can and often do appear out of dark corners and rooms. Also, well focused and slowly paced, the story relies on a trio of characters, each of whom has a unique story to tell. There are many tales to tell of the end-of-times.
Writer Ben Kurstin has set the film in the dramatic sphere. Other genres lurk around the fringe, including: science-fiction and horror. These elements are seen most prominently in the climax; here, the infected dominate a nighttime series of action sequences. But, the reliance on dialogue and character interactions keeps the film grounded in drama. Some of the dialogue is used to frame the film. For instance, Abira tells two other characters about the spread of infection. Several bombs were triggered in several major cities. Abira uses some storytelling techniques to add interest to this narrative flashback. Other dramas develop between the characters. Penelope is struggling to read and Abira has a secret to share. All of these dramatic elements slow the film's pacing, while enhancing the believability and immersion of the film.
The story is also told through a diverse manner. The use of a voice-over narration allows the viewer into the character's minds; but, these sequences are sometimes overpowered by events onscreen. Flashbacks also add something to the story. A series of quickly shown images develops Penelope and Josh's relationship further. These images show the character's temporal relationship, which is long lasting. As well, director John Klein shows one character's health situation, by rocking the camera to and fro. Penelope is very sick and the camera's awkward movements emphasize her condition. Also, long shots show the city in ruins and possibly on fire. Smoke drifts in the background, with help from computer enhanced imagery. All of these film elements help bring the story together.
Chrysalis is one of the first films that this reviewer has seen, which was funded by a crow-sourcing campaign. Other indie film fans should seek this film out as Chrysalis offers a compelling and thought-provoking tale, which is set, believably, in a dystopian environment. Though slowly paced and sometimes lacking tension, this story is one that offers interesting characters and a well focused story, in a world where anything can and does happen.
Overall: 7 out of 10 (one of the stronger indie films to come out this year, a blend of genres: action, horror, drama and sci-fi, well acted, tension could have been introduced through sound).
A trailer for the film is available here:
A Chrysalis Trailer on 28DLA
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Posted in: 2014,independent,indie,movie,movie review,north america,plot,review,science fiction,science fiction movie review,story,zombie,zombie apocalypse,zombies
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