5/5
What happens when the line between caretaker and caregiver becomes blurred?…
- Drama, Mystery
- United States
- 2020
- 14 min
Throughout the 14-minute mystery, which is entirely produced in black and white, the film examines the state-of-mind of Barbara Stone – a once respected and prominent criminal detective. Under the influence of drugs and alcohol, Barbara’s sense of reality is shrouded with her own insanity – as she attempts to locate a mysterious “stalker”. The narrative acts as a character study of a paranoiac in the grips of self-medicated fixation.
Despite the film’s limited use of dialogue, Julia Marques’ delivers a remarkable performance that flawlessly illustrates sorrow, despondency and trepidation. Under João Picciarelli’s adept direction, the film is well-crafted with stellar cinematography by Nicholas Schulte. Sound and post-production are equally commendable. The film would benefit from further exploration into the protagonist’s backstory – showcasing the catalyst that led her into despair (which is unfortunately omitted). The overall tone is powerfully eerie – as Barbara leans closer to her own demise. A haunting watch.
Throughout the 14-minute mystery, which is entirely produced in black and white, the film examines the state-of-mind of Barbara Stone – a once respected and prominent criminal detective. Under the influence of drugs and alcohol, Barbara’s sense of reality is shrouded with her own insanity – as she attempts to locate a mysterious “stalker”. The narrative acts as a character study of a paranoiac in the grips of self-medicated fixation.
Despite the film’s limited use of dialogue, Julia Marques’ delivers a remarkable performance that flawlessly illustrates sorrow, despondency and trepidation. Under João Picciarelli’s adept direction, the film is well-crafted with stellar cinematography by Nicholas Schulte. Sound and post-production are equally commendable. The film would benefit from further exploration into the protagonist’s backstory – showcasing the catalyst that led her into despair (which is unfortunately omitted). The overall tone is powerfully eerie – as Barbara leans closer to her own demise. A haunting watch.
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