Synopsis: Milo (RUFFIN) is a troubled teen who hides behind his fascination with vampire lore. When he meets the equally alienated Sophie (LEVINE), the two form a bond that begins to challenge Milo’s dark obsession, blurring his fantasy into reality. Set against the grit of the New York City housing projects and urban strief, THE TRANSFIGURATION is an atmospheric thriller transformed by haunting overtones of vampire mythology.
Review: Michael O'Shea’s THE TRANSFIGURATION is a quiet urban horror thriller that is mesmerizing. The narrative is an exceptional blending of the main character’s, Milo’s, tragedy and his search for an explanation of his place in the world within vampire lore. It is a slow burn that builds, drawing the viewer in, and delivers a devastating climax.
The film’s use of the vampire mythology reminds one of George Romero’s Martin or Tomas Alfredson’s Let the Right One In, while skillfully combing that with the urban landscapes and themes of New York City reminiscent of Spike Lee’s Do the Right Thing or Darren Aronofsky’s Requiem for a Dream. At the center of all this tragedy is Milo, nowhere near as loquacious as a Shakespearean character, but as tragic as Hamlet or Macbeth. Through his journals, limited dialogue, flashes of this thoughts, the viewer comes to know this character that is older than his years. It is a skillfully crafted character study. Milo’s course is diverted by the appearance of Sophie. There is violence in her own life and she attempts to find some normalcy with Milo, unaware of his dark secrets he keeps hidden from her. As their relations develops it causes Milo to call into question everything in his life and what his future path must be. As the narrative moves towards its resolution the viewer is left to struggle with the emotional impact of Milo’s choices. O'Shea’s screenplay is a wonderful blending of themes in an urban setting that is a powerful drama with adolescent characters at it’s core, a contemporary Romeo and Juliet.
O'Shea’s tale is supported by two young and extremely talent actors. Eric Ruffin’s organic and compelling performance allows the viewer to feel both sympathetic and horrified for this flawed anti-hero. He provides the viewer with an emotional hook. He is a gifted performer who unquestionably delivers a tour de force that firmly places him on viewers’ radars for his upcoming work. His co-star Chloe Levine does an exceptional job of complementing his performance and creating an equally strong character. She portrays innocence, balanced with an inner strength, while exposing a vulnerability. You can feel the space that she opens up that allows Milo to drop his guard and expose his own innocence. Again, an actress whose performance should place her on your radar.
As the director, Michael O'Shea takes these amazing performance and surrounds them with some breathtaking and horrifying visuals. He instills a Grimm and Shakespearean tone to the film while capturing that barren landscape an urban environment can be. He balances hot tones with cool night sequences creates a captivating visual style that enhances the narrative and supports performances. He sparingly uses visual effects to enhance the visuals and allows the physical effects to shock the viewer. All the elements come together to deliver a haunting cinematic experience.
THE TRANSFIGURATION is a rare independent film that is simply more than a showcase of exceptional talent both in front of and behind the camera. It is a rare cinematic experience that deserves to be experienced in the theater as it will undoubtedly lead viewers into a variety of discussions about the film they’ve just experienced. I’m sure many viewers will want to include this film in their personal cinema libraries.THE TRANSFIGURATION is sure to be the springboard for several amazing careers.
Cast: Eric Ruffin, Chloe Levine, Aaron Clifton Moten, Carter Redwood, Danny Flaherty, Larry Fessenden, and Lloyd Kaufman.
Crew: Director - Michael O'Shea, Screenplay - Michael O'Shea; Producer - Susan Leber; Cinematographer - Sung Rae Cho; Score - Margaret Chardiet; Editor - Kathryn J. Schubert; Production Designer - Danica Pantic; Costume Designer - Samantha Hawkins; Special Effects Supervisor - Brian Schuley; Visual Effects Supervisor - Chris Haney.
Official: thetransfigurationfilm.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/thetransfigurationfilm
Twitter: twitter.com/TransfigMovie | @TransfigMovie
Release Date: Friday, April 7th, 2017
Trailer: youtu.be/sLXiyMbLR30
**Based on $15.99, a prime-time Manhattan Ticket Price at time of release.
Reviewed by Joseph B Mauceri
