Thursday, January 28, 2016
Michael Allen
*full disclosure: an online screener of this film was provided by Dark Sky Films.
**spoilers: it is recommended that you see this film before reading this review.
Director/writer: Drew Hall.
Cast: Clayne Crawford, Ethan Embry, Mykelti Williamson, Gary Grubbs and Chelsea Bruland.
Convergence is a supernatural thriller and horror title from director Drew Hall. The film takes place in a couple of spheres, thanks partially to Dante's Purgatorio. The removal of sins has been replaced by the protagonist's search for the truth. Act III makes this readily apparent as Ben (Clayne Crawford) comes to terms with his murderer. While trying to avoid spoilers, this review will also look as some of the films indie influences and positive film elements. Convergence is a great mystery, whose secret should be unwrapped by film fans.
Convergence offers a compelling story. It begins with Ben and a bombing at a Women's Health Centre. The bombing leaves several people injured and killed, with Ben waking up in an austere hospital. Here, there is only nurse, the sultry Delilah (Chelsea Bruland). Delilah knows very little about football, but she does know something about Ben's predicament and so does Daniel (Ethan Embry) . Ben's search for the truth travels up and down, through several floors of the hospital. And, each level of the hospital offers another conflict or clue to Ben's current situation.
There are at least two themes in the film: redemption and truth. Ben's redemption comes through his uncovering of this truth, which will only be partially revealed here. As evidence, Ben wears a t-shirt, which reads "Veritas." This Latin term can easily be interpreted as the truth, or truth. Ben needs to simply look down to find out why he is in the hospital. As well, the other, less nefarious characters, encourage Ben to find the truth. The character Esther (Laura Cayouette) states: "we are being tested." Though Esther relates the test to grace, Ben's test is to find the person behind the bombing and his murder. Once Ben moves closer and closer to his killer's identity, he is slowly able to leave his own purgatory. The theme of truth and the search for truth should also resound strongly with most viewers.
This viewer enjoyed a major transition in Act III. In this series of scenes, the tone, pacing, action elements and characters are changed. The film is taking place on a couple of differing levels: one is physical and the other is more spiritual. In Act III, the tone moves more from a thriller into that of a horror one. The settings darken, while shadows stalk the halls. This atmosphere is very different compared to the brights lights of Acts I and II. Also, events become more frenetic as many of the characters come to blows with each other. The climax also introduces a whole new slew of characters, which is unusual for a film. These characters struggle to survive as the villains grow in power. This transition in Act III gives Convergence a lot more energy, just when the film needs it.
The film, while indie in development, has a lot to offer. The indie elements can be seen in the setting. Almost the entire film takes place in an abandoned hospital. Many of this settings halls and rooms are utilized as characters are chased from one dire situation to the next. The film utilizes a small cast of characters. Extras often seem to be absent within indie films, for better or worse. However, this reduction in cast keeps the film focused on its message, which has been mentioned earlier. All of the shooting and bloody conflicts are captured with competence. There is only one jump cut, which might unsettle viewers. As it is, Convergence utilizes its film elements to create an exciting affect.
Convergence is moving towards a pre-Valentine's Day release. While the film might not offer a dinner date, it does offer a fleshy story. Full of action sequences in the latter third, the film also offers a surprise or two as the film transitions into its climax. Convergence offers a compelling message - the search for the truth, as well. This important message and the protagonist's journey towards his own truth creates for a deeper story level. The film has impact and fans of indie thrillers or horror can feel that impact on February 5th, via DVD and VOD; Convergence should not be missed.
Overall: 7.5 out of 10.
A trailer for this film has just been released:
A Convergence Trailer on 28DLA
Recommended reading: Purgatorio at Amazon
Subscribe to 28 Days Later: An Analysis 28 Days Later Analysis Email Subscription
Posted in: 2016,horror movie review,movie,movie review,review,supernatural,supernatural movie review,thriller movie review
0 comments:
Post a Comment