**Disclaimer - I have a friend who works with a person involved in this production***
When it comes to micro-budget indie movies from younger filmmakers, I think the main thing you need to look for is potential. I didn't ask what the budget for Friend of the World was, but to the movie's credit I spent most of the short 50-minute run time not thinking about the movie's budget. The movie deals with some lofty ideas but does so on a micro, human level. Regarding the film's budget, the script is very budget-friendly in that most of the story takes place with two characters, in settings which are conducive to money saving measures. Luckily, these decisions don't bring down the viewing experience. In fact, some of the FX in the movie hit above the budget's weight class. In smaller movies like this a special effect can be the kiss of death with audiences who are used to seeing CGI that could cost a million dollars for 30 seconds of screen time. But the special effects in this are tasteful, and most importantly, not distracting.
The cinematography overall is quite proficient. There are a few standout shots which are excellent. There is a scene between The General and (the cleverly named) Diane Keaton in which The General delivers his lines within the darkness, with very little definition in his facial features. The shot is expressive, moody and well done. A lot of times the camera is taken out of the actor's way and let's them just do their thing. But, there are quite a few images that standout within the movie.
The story is a dystopian future which allows societal themes to be explored. There is an element of the undead but the story does a good job of not leaning into tropes. There are also some experimental flourishes that could be divisive to some viewers, but mostly they seemed to work for me.
With smaller budgets like this the first victim is usually the acting. The two leads in this are pretty solid. The standout is Alexandra Slade's facial acting at the conclusion. Without dialogue she shows a loss and heartbreak that makes me hope she continues to find bigger acting roles.
As stated in the beginning, with indies we are looking for potential. I think this movie shows filmmakers with a lot of promise. I'm looking forward to seeing them grow and hope they are able to increase their budgets as I'd be interested in seeing what these individuals could produce.
