Brent Katz’s short drama film tackles the issue of addiction in suburbia, showcasing an ensemble cast led by the talented Michelle Felice Hartley. The film explores the individual struggles of each character and their denial with drug use, while presenting a facade of clean living. The acting all around is strong, with each of the characters’ emotional journeys making an impact on the viewer.
Sam Schmitz’s cinematography lends a sense of authenticity and realism to the story without being overly obtrusive, effectively capturing the mood of the characters and the setting.
While the film’s mystery element adds an additional layer of intrigue to the storyline, the explanation of the characters’ backstories is not adequately explained, which creates some gaps in the narrative. Additional exploration in those areas would be welcome as it is just as important to understand how the characters are interconnected as it is to understand their struggles.
Overall, Brent Katz’s short drama serves as an important commentary on the complexities of addiction and the challenges of living in a society that often demands against addiction and struggle. With strong performances and solid production values, the film could benefit from additional narrative depth for the text really packs a punch. Nevertheless, this film remains a thought-provoking and effective exploration of the highs and lows of addiction, deserving attention for those interested in compelling dramas.
