This first feature from the talented producer, director, writer and editor team of Eli Despres and Kim Roberts, shot on video in 18 days, marks an impressive debut and one not to be missed, if you are lucky enough to have the opportunity to catch it in a film festival or in its limited theatrical run. Otherwise, keep your eyes peeled for the DVD and video release, if you like indie films that have that unpredictable and slightly off-center (but completely authentic) feel about them.
I, for one, appreciate films that can't easily be categorized, or that use established genres in interesting new ways, and this film qualifies. Three girls go to an isolated cabin retreat in the mountains of Colorado to celebrate their graduation from high school. Almost immediately lots of possibilities present themselves: Is this going to be a coming of age story? Is it going to be a "stranger in the dark woods terrorizing teenagers" slasher movie? Is it going to be a comedy about how bratty teenage girls treat each other? Well, what if some talented filmmakers put all those ingredients into a blender -- along with a few more -- and whip up a whole new, satisfying recipe? Sometimes these "genre-bending" exercises can fall flat on their faces, but in this case, the filmmakers -- because of a great script, great acting, and some beautiful camera-work and sure-footed editing -- take you along for the ride.
I, for one, appreciate films that can't easily be categorized, or that use established genres in interesting new ways, and this film qualifies. Three girls go to an isolated cabin retreat in the mountains of Colorado to celebrate their graduation from high school. Almost immediately lots of possibilities present themselves: Is this going to be a coming of age story? Is it going to be a "stranger in the dark woods terrorizing teenagers" slasher movie? Is it going to be a comedy about how bratty teenage girls treat each other? Well, what if some talented filmmakers put all those ingredients into a blender -- along with a few more -- and whip up a whole new, satisfying recipe? Sometimes these "genre-bending" exercises can fall flat on their faces, but in this case, the filmmakers -- because of a great script, great acting, and some beautiful camera-work and sure-footed editing -- take you along for the ride.