Here is a film that opens in a desolate wintery landscape and is accompanied by a expositional voiceover laying out the groundwork for the gripping tale that lies ahead. The opening scene is wrought with symbolism as the aforementioned landscape represents the cold loneliness that has overtaken the main character's life. Interestingly during the flashback scenes, the visuals had a warmer hue to them. Perhaps that was to symbolize that Ian had not yet lost hope, and that there would be a silver lining for him. The cinematography was framed in such a way that it almost had a documentary feel to it which I feel added to the stakes Ian was dealing with, especially one
that would affect him and his closest friends. The documentary feel also makes sense given that both the film's director Malik Fromm and it's producer Paul Reyes have an extensive background in that arena.
One very pivotal scene was shot with erratic camera work, and edited together with quick cuts, which I feel elevated the intensity of the scene as it played well into the documentary roots of the creative filmmakers behind this riveting film. As the second act hits its stride the film leans into tropes from their genre of film, one where things aren't what they seem, and what you thought you knew wasn't true. The filmmakers handled these tropes well to not have them feel pigeonholed into the plot. As truth's are revealed the filmmakers use the sweeping vistas of the surrounding landscape outside of Reno to symbolize how widespread the story goes as it deals with corruption and betrayal. Those same epic views of the beautiful landscape serve as a character in the gripping story itself as Ian uses them to his advantage.
For a first-time directorial debut, Malik Fromm clearly knew the assignment and stepped up to the plate. Especially considering he pulled double duty serving as both the director and the film's lead. Both Fromm and Reyes handled the budgetary limitations that come with low budget independent films with great expertise. The rest of the cast was rounded out by solid performances as they maneuvered their way through a plot that will keep audiences guessing up until the final moments. The twists and turns woven into this film's narrative could be seen as overwhelming with lesser filmmakers behind it, but I think Malik Fromm and his team handled it with the expertise of seasoned veterans. It is heartwarming to see a deeply personal film that was eight years in the making come to fruition for the young director. At a tight 66 minutes, this is well worth the viewing time.
