Greetings again from the darkness. In 2015, director Sean Baker’s use of an iPhone to film TANGERINE was viewed as experimental or rogue. Since then, other filmmakers have utilized this method, though it’s only been during the pandemic when filmmakers, desperate to create, have used the iPhone out of necessity. Such is the case with Matthew Butler-Hart, who not only utilized the mobile device for the majority of scenes, but also directed a couple of cameos remotely via Zoom. Co-written with his wife Tori Butler-Hart, who also stars, the film takes full advantage of empty streets and the absence of other people during the lockdown.
Ms. Butler-Hart stars as Jane, whom we first see as she awakens alone in the attic of a house. She’s gagged and bound to a chair, with no recollection of how she got there. She also experiences visions in flashes – some type of memories – as she looks for an escape route. She notices that she’s under surveillance, but after her initial stage of fright, she becomes quite determined to free herself. And that’s where things get really interesting. In the mode of GROUNDHOG DAY (1993) or HAPPY DEATH DAY (2017), only without Sonny and Cher music or a homicide, Jane is constantly re-awakening to find herself back in the same attic, in the same chair, with the same constraints.
Sir Ian McKellan plays the founder of Wytness Research Centre and Conleth Hill (“Game of Thrones”) plays a scientist. These two talking heads (filmed via Zoom) serve up the Quantum science overview that provides the structure of Jane’s situation, and also offer a couple of short breaks for Jane, who appears in nearly every other scene. The Wytness Centre holds the key to her situation, and we are informed that the work there is “propelling human evolution to a staggering new dimension.”
Jane stays focused on solving the puzzle that will allow her to escape the house (mysterious staircase and all) and track down what is causing her to experience these events time and time again. There is a video game feel to this as Jane frantically tries to reach the next level of escape, only to be zapped back to the starting point with each failure. Although time is relative and a parallel universe is in play here, we can’t help but notice Jane seems to lack the food, water, and basic hygiene one would require. That point has little impact on the creativity of the story and situation. Rorschach tests appear in certain places, as does a mint condition VW van. What we don’t see are people, though Quantum science does hold infinite possibilities.
Ms. Butler-Hart delivers a strong performance and keeps us interested in her character as she carries the film. Mr. Butler-Hart delivers excellent “camera” work, and the ultra-low budget film shows what can be accomplished. The lockdown has caused isolation and uncertainty for many, and mind games can certainly affect one’s perspective. The Butler-Harts have plans to convert this little film to a graphic novel and TV series, and it appears the “time” is right for both.
Coming to Theaters and VOD on August 6, 2021
Posted by David Ferguson 
Movie Reviews from the Dark 