I didn't expect much and typically don't spend my time watching films I don't already have a notion that I'll like, but I was asked to watch and review this film as a favor to one of it's creators (no one mentioned in this review).
They may regret that after reading this review, but you can ignore the hater, this is not a 1-star film, not even close.
First the bad! Obviously, budgeting had a major impact on the filmmaker's decisions, and the decision to use the special effect at the end of the film was not a good one. It should have been omitted entirely. Also, the limited locations, mainly an apartment complex, meant that there were a few too many repetitious shots, looking for some way to fill the space or time.
Some of the dialogue is a bit wooden in parts. Not sure if that is that fault if the actors or script, but at one point I laughed aloud at what meant to be serious dialogue. Unintentional humor is never a good sign.
Now the good. Despite it's failings, this film has some redeeming qualities. Namely, the director's use of light and shadow was particularly effective and, along with the incidental music, managed to create a real sense of unease and suspense.
But the thing I most appreciated was the simplicity of the creature. This was probably the result of budgeting considerations, but the design was genuinely unsettling. Increase its height by another 6" or more and you'll have something quite menacing.
Finally, props to the actor playing the first victim. That was some A+ acting.
I think with a a larger budget a film like this could shine. Shake out some of the fluffy dialogue, make a minor fix to creature design (hands and height), and flesh out it's origin more fully, then we're talking.
6/10.
They may regret that after reading this review, but you can ignore the hater, this is not a 1-star film, not even close.
First the bad! Obviously, budgeting had a major impact on the filmmaker's decisions, and the decision to use the special effect at the end of the film was not a good one. It should have been omitted entirely. Also, the limited locations, mainly an apartment complex, meant that there were a few too many repetitious shots, looking for some way to fill the space or time.
Some of the dialogue is a bit wooden in parts. Not sure if that is that fault if the actors or script, but at one point I laughed aloud at what meant to be serious dialogue. Unintentional humor is never a good sign.
Now the good. Despite it's failings, this film has some redeeming qualities. Namely, the director's use of light and shadow was particularly effective and, along with the incidental music, managed to create a real sense of unease and suspense.
But the thing I most appreciated was the simplicity of the creature. This was probably the result of budgeting considerations, but the design was genuinely unsettling. Increase its height by another 6" or more and you'll have something quite menacing.
Finally, props to the actor playing the first victim. That was some A+ acting.
I think with a a larger budget a film like this could shine. Shake out some of the fluffy dialogue, make a minor fix to creature design (hands and height), and flesh out it's origin more fully, then we're talking.
6/10.