OLD STRANGERS - Review
DISTRIBUTOR: Gravitas Ventures
SYNOPSIS: A post-pandemic thriller, OLD STRANGERS, finds Sarah, Michael, and Danny trying to rekindle the spark of friendship from their youth only to be confronted with the harsh realities of their relationships. Just beyond their reunion, in the deep woods, there is something otherworldly growing and feeding on their pain.
REVIEW: OLD STRANGERS is a slick science fiction thriller that takes initiative as it attempts to update a classic theme that feels very much like “Invasion of the Body Snatchers.
The plot focuses on three friends who reconnect as we were supposedly getting a handle on the Covid virus. There are three very distinct personalities, each with their own special set of issues. Ted and Sarah seem a bit less mature than Danny. Danny is going through some real life crisis so he is here to get away and clear his mind, while Ted and Sarah have some personal issues they need to work out. Regardless of all their personal baggage and issue with the pandemic, there is something out in the woods. Of course they stumble across it and then one of the trio does something stupid that gives the alien lifeform access to his being. Needless to say the weekend goes downhill from there. Early on Ted’s dialogue is annoying but it does mellow out as the story progresses. The rest of the dialogue is okay but not all of it meshes with the character development.
The filmmakers have access to a nice location. There is some breathtaking footage that is mixed with some epic stellar stock footage. The outdoor cinematography is robust whereas the interiors feel a bit flat. The framing is fine, the editing maintains a nice pace, and the direction has a nice energy to it. The special makeup effects were nicely done. Basic and well rendered, but nothing over the top or possessing a “wow” element. The score was a blend of styles adding a nice under current to the narrative but nothing that stands out.
I liked the cast. It’s a nice ensemble with a satisfying energy to the performances. Colton Eschief Mastro’s performance stands out as his character goes through much more over a prolonged period than his fellow actors. I enjoyed his work, as well as that of Madeleine Humphries. Madeleine's performance was organic and added a freshness to the story.
OLD STRANGERS is a nice attempt at updating the “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” paranoia for these Covid times. The two themes never really mesh completely, leaving this viewer feeling disappointed. There seems to be some padding with visual montages, and even with that it only comes in with a 62 minute running time. It places it in a limbo as it’s too long to be a short and not really long enough to be a feature. They could have tightened the editing and possibly been an even more effective short. OLD STRANGERS isn’t a bad film. It’s beautiful to look at, has some solid performances, but the writing is loose and it could use some creative editing that most likely made for an even better short film.
CAST: Madeleine Humphries, Colton Eschief Mastro and Ted Evans. CREW: Director/Screenplay/Editor - Nick Gregorio; Cinematographer - Blake Gaytan; Editor - Andrew Marion; Special Makeup Effects Artist - Kaitlyn Matlock; Visua; Effects - Isaac Pajo Bickley; Score - Triune Digital. OFFICIAL: N.A. FACEBOOK: N.A. TWITTER: N.A. TRAILER: https://youtu.be/uWpz_YeP4G4 RELEASE DATE: On Digital January 11th, 2022
**Until we can all head back into the theaters our “COVID Reel Value” will be similar to how you rate a film on digital platforms - 👍 (Like), 👌 (It’s just okay), or 👎 (Dislike)
Reviewed by Joseph B Mauceri
