Triple-Threat Writer, Director, and Actor Peter O'Brien's "Misery Loves Company" is a testament to how independent filmmakers with a vision can accomplish a lot with very little resources. With a budget of only six thousand dollars, Peter O'Brien effectively crafts an entertaining film with a high production value with the help of a strong cast. Peter O'Brien, Priscilla Wilson, Steven Bendler, Carly Ballister, Shawn Stephens, and Konrad Mann are all believable strong cast members. In addition, the writing is strong and provides for an entertaining watch. I recommend "Misery Loves Company" for anyone who likes a good dark comedy.
8 Reviews
A Mumblecore Gem
nathan-3071524 March 2023
In Misery Loves Company, after projectionist Brian (Peter O'Brien) is dumped in the film's opening scene, he is determined never to fall in love again. This sets up a challenge for his mensch of a best friend, Cliff (Stephen Bendler) who selflessly tries to set him up with the vivacious and cheerful Veronica (Carly Ballister). O'Brien, who also directed, produced, edited and co-composed the music, proceeds to deliver a heartfelt performance as a character who is by turns melancholy, self-deprecating, sarcastic, and naive. The film has a surrealistic twist that you won't see coming, and a scary homage to 'The Deer Hunter' as well. This movie is a mumblecore gem, and demonstrates that good acting and clever dialogue don't need a big budget.
Good indie film
jedijimmy10118 March 2023
This Character driven dark comedy was made impressively well considering the movie's budget. The characters were relatable and flawed humans, much like real people we all know. The emotions we're all there and performed well by the cast. I really enjoyed the music in this particular film. The setting for this movie was brilliant and I loved the movie theater location. As a former New Yorker myself it was great seeing this part of New York on camera. Peter O'Brien is a very talented producer, actor, writer, and director. I look forward to seeing more of Peter's work in the future. I will happily recommend this to a friend.
WOW! A MUST SEE Indie Gem!
t-q-sinclair29 April 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I saw this film recently at a screening in NY and I assure you there is a lot more going on in this film than the viewer will catch the first time. Not to mention the performances, the music, and the character development, which really shine in this little film.
The main character is a projectionist, that is his occupation, but he also projects himself into situations, as established in the beginning when he sees himself and his co-worker in the B- Movie playing at the theater. His occupation takes on a thematic characteristic of him projecting things, ideas, situations. There are also several points where the character is shown alone, possibly reflecting on events, or daydreaming (on the roof of the theater, on his fire escape). What you have is a character who spends most of his days watching movies playing out his own scenario for the audience to identify what he is experiencing.
When the story gets to the third act twist, if you weren't paying attention in the beginning it will seem confusing, but the continuity of the shots, clothing and details – such as the bandage on the main character's hand – all add up. I particularly loved the connection between the pictures of the two girls on the mountain top, perhaps implying that the events in the middle are echoes from the relationship with the girl in the beginning.
The Deer Hunter scene near the end is the third in a series of insights into the characters psyche (the first being the B-Movie, the second being the extended daydream in the middle) and also the most poignant as he faces off between his immature friend(s) giving him bad advice and the girls he has conflicting feelings towards. The character even directly expresses what has just been observed in the final scene/resolution with his co-worker.
One thing to not overlook in this film is the music/soundtrack. Not just the songs themselves, but their placement within the scenes to enhance the visual storytelling. It is masterful in some ways that the filmmaker was able to find songs that fit so well in the story they are telling. I think the best example of this is the scene in the bar with the band playing the song "It don't matter," reflecting what is going on both in the scene and with the character. I don't even like that style of music, but it fits so well with the tone of the film and the characters that it helped me enjoy it more than I would have otherwise.
Surprisingly, the film also had great performances from the entire cast. Everyone seemed natural and believable in their role. There was no hint of overacting, which is pretty common among no name films and casts. I watched a behind the scenes video on the film's website after the fact and you can tell from their interviews that (at least the three principal actors: Carly Ballister, Steven Bendler and Peter O'Brien) really took the time to develop their characters and didn't just step in front of the camera and deliver a poor imitation of recycled archetypes, or exaggerated versions of themselves.
Misery Loves Company is not the best film ever made, but considering it was a no-budget film (imdb lists the budget at $6,000) I think it is an incredible achievement and deserves one's attention.
4/5
The main character is a projectionist, that is his occupation, but he also projects himself into situations, as established in the beginning when he sees himself and his co-worker in the B- Movie playing at the theater. His occupation takes on a thematic characteristic of him projecting things, ideas, situations. There are also several points where the character is shown alone, possibly reflecting on events, or daydreaming (on the roof of the theater, on his fire escape). What you have is a character who spends most of his days watching movies playing out his own scenario for the audience to identify what he is experiencing.
When the story gets to the third act twist, if you weren't paying attention in the beginning it will seem confusing, but the continuity of the shots, clothing and details – such as the bandage on the main character's hand – all add up. I particularly loved the connection between the pictures of the two girls on the mountain top, perhaps implying that the events in the middle are echoes from the relationship with the girl in the beginning.
The Deer Hunter scene near the end is the third in a series of insights into the characters psyche (the first being the B-Movie, the second being the extended daydream in the middle) and also the most poignant as he faces off between his immature friend(s) giving him bad advice and the girls he has conflicting feelings towards. The character even directly expresses what has just been observed in the final scene/resolution with his co-worker.
One thing to not overlook in this film is the music/soundtrack. Not just the songs themselves, but their placement within the scenes to enhance the visual storytelling. It is masterful in some ways that the filmmaker was able to find songs that fit so well in the story they are telling. I think the best example of this is the scene in the bar with the band playing the song "It don't matter," reflecting what is going on both in the scene and with the character. I don't even like that style of music, but it fits so well with the tone of the film and the characters that it helped me enjoy it more than I would have otherwise.
Surprisingly, the film also had great performances from the entire cast. Everyone seemed natural and believable in their role. There was no hint of overacting, which is pretty common among no name films and casts. I watched a behind the scenes video on the film's website after the fact and you can tell from their interviews that (at least the three principal actors: Carly Ballister, Steven Bendler and Peter O'Brien) really took the time to develop their characters and didn't just step in front of the camera and deliver a poor imitation of recycled archetypes, or exaggerated versions of themselves.
Misery Loves Company is not the best film ever made, but considering it was a no-budget film (imdb lists the budget at $6,000) I think it is an incredible achievement and deserves one's attention.
4/5
Misery Loves Company
jama4712 May 2016
I saw this movie in its premier at the Palisades Mall Movie theater. There was 200+ people there and it got raves at the ending. I saw it again at a little theater in Nyack New York. It's a bitter sweet love story - the music is great! the acting superb!!!
Peter O'Brien is an amazing writer, producer, director, actor. This film, done on a small budget, is amazing. Beautiful scenery in the Hudson Valley, New York.
It's worth bringing it back and a submission to a 'Indie Film Festival' is a must!!! Don't let this little gem get lost!!!! My favorite part is filmed in D&D's Restaurant & Pub in New City, New York. The band 'Trouble Bound' plays "It Don't Matter" and "Here To The End" they are excellent, as is the rest of the music in this film. All the songs go with the theme of each scene.
Peter O'Brien is an amazing writer, producer, director, actor. This film, done on a small budget, is amazing. Beautiful scenery in the Hudson Valley, New York.
It's worth bringing it back and a submission to a 'Indie Film Festival' is a must!!! Don't let this little gem get lost!!!! My favorite part is filmed in D&D's Restaurant & Pub in New City, New York. The band 'Trouble Bound' plays "It Don't Matter" and "Here To The End" they are excellent, as is the rest of the music in this film. All the songs go with the theme of each scene.
Misery Loves Company by Peter O'Brien
mariobri16 June 2017
This is an independent film made throughout the scenic Hudson Valley in New York State. I have to wholeheartedly agree with "t-q-sinclair's review! This movie is a total gem. The scenery, original music & lyrics by various performers are outstanding! As are the actual actors in this INDY film. Dig this out of the 'vault' and watch it again & again.
Charming Little Film
prjbii-3268127 March 2023
The locations serve as a nice love letter to New York State - the parts we don't often get to see onscreen.
I especially liked the dialogue exchanges between the lead actor and his romantic interest, who is played by a very likable actress that I would love to see more of.
Though the main character works as a projectionist instead of a record store, I was reminded of "High Fidelity," especially in its themes about dealing with breakups and growing from heartbreak. I also appreciate how the filmmakers wrap up the relationship. I won't reveal spoilers, but let's just say they don't go the traditional "Hollywood" route and that's refreshing.
I especially liked the dialogue exchanges between the lead actor and his romantic interest, who is played by a very likable actress that I would love to see more of.
Though the main character works as a projectionist instead of a record store, I was reminded of "High Fidelity," especially in its themes about dealing with breakups and growing from heartbreak. I also appreciate how the filmmakers wrap up the relationship. I won't reveal spoilers, but let's just say they don't go the traditional "Hollywood" route and that's refreshing.
This dark romance comedy is a hidden gem.
mettlesetdesigner7 July 2023
I ran across this dark comedy gem on the streaming service Tubi the other night and was so blown away with the cinematography that I looked it up. Mark Sanders (the cinematographer) does an amazing job playing with the shadows and lighting and metaphorically it works wonderfully with the story! This is what I would call a dark romance comedy and writer/director Peter O'Brien does a great job at putting it all together. This is not an easy genre to pull off in the indie filmmaking world and I give two thumbs up to everyone on the cast and crew of Misery Loves Company for doing such a great job.
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