Third Contact (2013) Poster

(2013)

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7/10
Well...
RodrigAndrisan23 February 2017
Definitely not Sci-Fi. And nor Thriller. Mystery something, yes it is. It is the mystery of the inner world of those suffering from depression. I met such people closely. I am convinced that they have a terrible life. Therefore many kill themselves. Living with them is not easy. They know very well how to make your life a hell. This is what I think that this movie is trying to express. The actors do their best. However, not easy to live that and put it into picture. I would had wrote more if I would had participated in the film as an actor. But Simon Horrocks just asked me to help him with money, believing that I am a rich producer. Which is not true, not at all.
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2/10
Wannabe film noir indie
Leofwine_draca4 August 2017
Warning: Spoilers
THIRD CONTACT is your usual indie thriller, with a few good ideas but a distinct lack of budget which means that they never come to full fruition. This one's British and was shot in black and white with plenty of style, which gives it some film noir pretensions. The plot takes the form of a slow moving mystery which the main character uncovers one piece at a time, but the whole thing is uninvolving and just lacks pace and effort. The most annoying part is that this did have potential, and might just have been something good with the right resources.
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Visually beautiful, but....
AvengingInCamden10 September 2017
I wonder, after reading the reviews and seeing the huge "thank you "credits in the end of the film, if all these people reviewing this as a master piece had part in the production or are friends. The photography is beautiful, I agree on that, most of the camera work is really good, and it is definitely a good piece visually - most of the time- when taking into account how little money it cost. The story line though, is lacking, only the main character is well developed and the acting, especially in a couple of the female characters, is ... lets say not believable. I found it slow, and only went until the end because I thought there would be a point....but I didn't find it. Visually, wonderful in the most, but if I had payed what cinema costs these days (something around £10 depends where?) I would have been a bit annoyed.
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2/10
Depressing and boring film.
agro_sydney4 June 2019
Warning: Spoilers
I was very disappointed with this depressing and boring film. The actors were OK but the story, directing, camera work and editing were terrible. The story is disjointed and the jumpy hand held camera work and continuous close ups are annoying to watch. I suspect most of the positive reviews may be by people connected with the film. There are better films out there about Quantum Suicide. This is not art.
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8/10
A thinking man's work of art...............
DonDraperIsTheMan10 September 2012
Once again, we've had an amazing independent screener submitted for review. It's a cryptic character driven melancholy portrait of depression, loss and death called Third Contact. The film is a moving experience that not only qualifies as cinema but could also be considered a masterful piece of art with its poetic use of mystery and dialogue, all the while building a distinct sense of desperation.

Where most independent films might fail, Third Contact overwhelmingly succeeds. Unlike many other independent films, it is not a self indulgent work but instead works to it's strong points by maintaining a great use of music and color as the film varies in it's use of black and white film then shifts to strikingly vivid flashbacks. Even more impressive is it's feature length of one hour and thirty five minutes while skillfully manipulating the attention of the viewer.

When this gets a release to the web or digital format, we would definitely like to post a link to allow our readers to see this film. We absolutely enjoyed this unique film that chronicles a mysterious death and one man's struggle to find closure. Third Contact is one of the best screeners we've had the chance to review and would strongly suggest seeing it.

-Chris George www.themoviesleuth.com
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10/10
A Diamond in the Rough
eddy-shannon22 October 2013
My introduction to Simon Horrocks' film, Third Contact, did not occur from the hype of an awesome trailer or word of mouth. Instead, it came from a seemingly rare mannerly invitation from Mr. Horrocks himself when he tweeted "I politely request you watch this trailer" with a link. How could I not? From that moment on, I knew this film was something special.

When watching the live-stream of the film's big screen premiere, I was engrossed in the gripping plot and, unlike some indie films, the fact that the film was shot on a micro-budget was not obvious. To be reminded that the film was shot on a budget of GBP 4,000 leaves one amazed at the feat Mr. Horrocks achieved.

The film is dark and keeps this transfixion over the viewer which isn't apparent until after the film when you are reflecting on what you have just seen. The film is mind-bewildering as one learns more with Dr. Wright as he searches for answers as to why suicides are occurring. The film is emotional on a level that solidifies the viewers' attachment with what is going on.

Third Contact is a diamond in the rough and a film I readily call a must-see. What Mr. Horrocks has done is a testament to his artistic brilliance and resourcefulness in producing a film that, in my opinion, humbles multi-million dollar Hollywood movies.
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9/10
a thoughtful and deeply rewarding film - it will stay with you
meldixo12 August 2014
My path through time is mercilessly fixed. I cannot change course to escape the memory of the pain I have caused, the chances I have missed, the regrets that are directly behind me. I cannot bring back what – or who – has been lost. I cannot linger interminably in the sweetest of moments. But sometimes, how I wish that I could.

This is the longing explored by Third Contact, the new film by Si Horrocks. Yes, it was made on a shoestring budget, but this film needs no special pleading. Photographed beautifully in black and white, and with a thoughtful, un-showy yet emotional performance by Tim Scott-Walker, this film will challenge you, and it will richly reward your attention.

It's been two weeks since I've watched the film, and it has crossed my mind daily. I would say the lingering impression is not of a psychological thriller or a philosophical treatise (though those aspects are certainly present), but of a poem. The human note Third Contact strikes is clear and true. I found it a melancholy film to watch, but what was left for me afterward was like the photo negative of that: a powerful impression of beauty and happiness in small moments, and unexpectedly but wonderfully, a profound affirmation.
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10/10
A psychologically-driven masterpiece! MUST SEE!
kellystacey198029 August 2012
Simon Horrocks' Third Contact is one such case. This psychologically-driven film follows David (Tim Scott-Walker), a psychotherapist who's seemingly feeling more like his patients lately with bouts of depression and a sense hopelessness. As David digs deeper into the apparent suicide of his patient, strange and mysterious things start to happen. Writer/director Simon Horrocks did a great job combining both the style and substance with this one. The look and pace of the film fit the source material, so much that I felt closer to the main character. While the film certainly is more psychologically-driven, and this one especially requires a lot of attention, it was EXTREMELY stimulating. A brilliant ending and a film that may leave you with more questions than answers, but that shouldn't be a bad thing especially in today's cinematic climate. A must see film!
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10/10
Absolutely phenomenal micro budget film.
jonas-alexander201220 January 2014
I am a huge fan of indie film. I vastly prefer them to most of what comes out of Hollywood as they tend to be far more creative in terms of script and story and characters, and as they don't have huge budgets, then the makers have got to get creative with certain things. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Here is an example of where it absolutely does.

Trying to explain this film to someone would be quite an impossible task. The best way to describe it is as a deep and involving psychological film with a few shades of Darren Aronofsky's "Pi", which is indeed an accomplishment in itself. The fact that this is a British film that doesn't involve gritty gangs and gangsters is also impressive, as all that tends to come from the British film industry is that or period pieces really. Which can get tiresome after a while.

This is a very important piece of film and it is showing that the indie film scene is getting more and more creative with each passing day, and it is hugely important to invest in such a thing to keep the creativity going.

If this film gets a screening near you, I absolutely urge you to go and see it. The performances, the black and white slight shakiness, the dialogue, the script, the direction - it is all truly a work of art. The director Si Horrocks is clearly on a mission to make good films and show the world that it can be done with very little, and in that mission he has completely succeeded. I personally can not wait to see what he does next.
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10/10
An honest-to-goodness slice of originality.
sjmyles7912 October 2013
That this film was made for just £4000 puts the entire 'Hollywood system' to shame. With Third Contact, first-time writer/director Simon Horrocks has created an experience far superior to most big-budget fare available in cinemas today. An excellent central performance from Tim Scott-Walker anchors this noir-ish tale of a depressed psychotherapist desperate for answers. Mainly black and white - with occasional splashes of colour - sound, music, creative camera angles and strategic editing are all used to conjure the necessary atmosphere to stunning effect. The characterisation is sublime, as the script never rushes but instead, takes you slowly yet purposefully on a journey to the most unexpected and thought-provoking places. This dark film is a welcome ray of light amidst the fog of predictable, safe, homogenised, junk food that crams our multiplexes month in, month out. It is an honest-to-goodness slice of originality, made with nothing more than a hand-held camcorder. Pay attention, Hollywood. The winds of change are stirring.
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9/10
Ticks all the boxes for thinking indie buffs
kingsfordhypnosis14 October 2013
I usually go to big budget movies with low expectations and more often than not, those expectations have been well justified. Conversely, I always have higher expectations of low budget indie movies because from my experience the independent filmmaker is working primarily out of his/her love of the movie making process which usually (but not always)results in Art.

When I first saw the Youtube trailer for Third Contact I was immediately captivated and suspected that I might be in for a treat and couldn't wait to attend the London Premiere on the BFI IMAX screen. I did attend and was not disappointed. I usually judge movies, not by any deep analysis but by the initial impact the movie has on me after the credits have gone up. Hiroshima Mon Amour, Woman in the Dunes, La Jetee and more recently Primer have all made deep impressions on me. I can now include Third Contact in that list. I really, really want to see this film a second and third time. My most recommended for 2013 thus far!
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10/10
Fantastically unique, visually mesmerising.
icleanna3 September 2013
Simon Horrocks low budget Sci-fi Thriller, Third Contact (2011) went down a storm last night at London's Waterloo IMAX cinema. Not only does Horrocks raise awareness about the issues surrounding mental health he effectively demonstrates an intellectual insight into depression.

Third Contact immediately breaks the traditional rules of Hollywood with the absence of an establishing shot. Instead the audience is transported into a deep conversation about quantum suicide between a therapist, Dr David Wright and his patient. Tim Scott- Walker's convincing portrayal as the tormented therapist Dr. Wright, allows the audience to connect with the disoriented character.

Horrocks filming techniques reminded me a lot of the pioneering filmmaker, Jean Luc-Godard. The low budget, the decision to edit the film in black and white and the use of hand held cameras, are just some of the reasons why. Similar to Godard, Horrocks purposefully created confusing and chaotic sequences that shrewdly leave the audiences guessing. In addition Horrock also utilizes filmmaking in order to express and explore mental illness and the key ideas of existentialism such as, despair, angst and facticity. Godard frequently explored the norms and values of society, and the notions of death.

A sense of Film Noir shines throughout the story with Horrocks bold decision to edit the film in black and white, which positively impacts the mise en scene. Diegetic and non-diegetic sound is used to heighten and shape the poetic mood of the narrative. The actors convey emotions and thought through the use of body language and facial expressions when there is little or no dialogue sequences. Lighting is used to create a dramatic contrast between lightness and darkness.

Props are intelligently used by Horrocks, with empty photographs frames dotted around several interior scenes. The picture-less frames connotes the characters are lost, unknown, empty and unrecognizable figures. Most importantly it is a direct reference to memories, which is another key theme that runs throughout the narrative. Photographs have the ability to preserve history. Not only does the physical evidence help to protect someone's memories, photographs are a great method used to illustrate someone's life story. Photos can evoke emotions from the protagonist concurrently they invite others to share your memory, even if they were not present at the time. Characters are unable to share each other's memories in the Third Contact with most of the photographs being absent. Additionally the protagonists lack the physical evidence that proves that their memories are in fact real and not a figment of their imaginations.

A regular patient of Dr. Wright is shown crafting a children's doll at his workplace. As one life ends another life is being born, although the life is that of a doll this scene still exemplifies the concepts of life and death.

Suicide is a prominent subject, running from beginning to the end of the film. If somebody thinks about committing suicide or attempts to take their own life, it is a clear indication that something is wrong in a person's life. Why do people commit suicide? Does depression steer people into wanting them to take their own lives? Can an individual single handedly encourage somebody else to end his or her life? Or is it society as a whole that drives people into such disappear, that they are left little choice but to depart this life? Suicide is a dark and complex subject to understand as each case is complex in its own way. These are the questions that Horrocks raises throughout the film.

Third Contact kept me entertained for a whole ninety-nine minutes, as a vast amount of time and research has evidently gone into writing this script, it is far from being over-scripted or predictable. The non-linear narrative captivates the audience as it forces them to work hard in order to unravel the plot. Although Third Contact can be compared to other films, it maintains its originality and manages to keep an edge over its predecessors.

As an aspiring scriptwriter and filmmaker I have studied Film, television and New Media for the last six years. I know how difficulties arise during pre-production, production and post- production. I have nothing but admiration for Simon Horrocks as he successfully taught himself how to write scripts, film, over come budgets and how to edit. Horrocks determination and passion for this film has definitely paid off, Third Contact is stimulating and intriguing. Long gone are the days where Horrocks used to sell popcorn to movie goers, instead he will be selling cinema tickets for people to watch his own films, as he can now proudly call himself an independent film maker.

I would definitely recommend for others to watch.I rate Third Contact an impressive five stars out of five.

Written By Miss Crawford
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8/10
Mind-bending, micro-budget masterpiece
matthew-fischer1 February 2014
I had the great pleasure of viewing this amazing little title after a seemingly random invitation via Twitter.

The one constant that I have read online and personally experienced is what a surprisingly polished looking (and sounding) final product Horrocks has produced. Anyone who isn't an avid fan of micro budget indie film will be the first to tell you digital video doesn't look professional and is distracting. I tend to agree. I can't usually get absorbed into films like Inland Empire simply because of the format they are shot on. This is where Horrocks has done something rare and spectacular by making his budgetary restrictions really work for him.

From the opening scene the film is instantly engaging and enthralling. The subject matter is challenging and not for everyone but rewarding nonetheless. The locations all look hauntingly familiar and yet skewed, like a bizarre dream. The score is superb and didn't rely on bombastic fanfare to elevate every key scene. The cast, especially Tim Scott- Walker did a fantastic job with the complex material and should be applauded for making some of these odd-ball characters so believable.

There were a couple of lines in places with slightly clunky delivery but beyond that, I cannot find fault anywhere. Would it have benefited from having a much larger budget? Probably but It wouldn't make it any more or less watch-able. It's refreshing to see a director proving that buckets of cash aren't necessary to make a brilliant film, just a great story and a dedicated cast/crew.

This is a definitely a director to watch out for. I imagine he could continue making little indie gems like this or move seamlessly on to big productions like Lynch or Nolan. I highly recommend anyone who loves film to seek this out.
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It's a "No" from us
Phil_Chester31 July 2018
No, just no. Does not work. Script doesn't hang together, acting ain't great and the camerawork is awful. Avoid this total waste of your life.
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9/10
A non-professional view on a brilliant film
nkpproductions31 January 2014
Third Contact was the first movie I've watched without knowing what its plot is going to be about. Of course I was a bit worried about that unknown terrain. But turns out - it was brilliant. The thing I've liked the most were the fascinating camera angles which were totally new for me. They gave you this kind of feeling as if you would be part of the film. You can hardly describe the atmosphere during the movie. Neither the one in the film itself, nor the one in the cinema. You always feel that something, a part of the story is hidden and you just wanna know what it's all about. And that is the real beauty of this masterpiece: The topic is not something you would expect. You can't even imagine what happens in the next scene, where the characters will be, what they will do. Unlike many other Hollywood-productions. The music was perfectly placed and gave even more depth to the film than it already had. All in all a very inspiring and unbelievable interesting film which gives you lots to talk and to speculate about. I've really enjoyed watching it.
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10/10
Psychological Thriller
ktanimara23 October 2013
Warning: Spoilers
One of the most remarkable films I have ever seen. Disturbing? Yes. I can see why there is a question and answer session with it. Brilliant? Yes. And it does leave one with many questions. It is totally unique. I came away with seeing it as the total breakdown of the main character. The "remarkable" man who is doing something to Erica and facing David near the end David himself? trying to cope with his profession and entering the minds of others literally and otherwise after his loss.

David is "alive" at the end (back to the beginning) still in his torment. Which begs the question "Was it all a psychotic episode?" brought on by the incredible amount of alcohol and drugs taken by him? No police investigation into the "deaths" which would or could have been done theoretically and a lot of other questions. How much is real or surreal and how much of what actually happened did happen is up to viewer interpretation. Amazing and I would have to see it more than once and pause it several times to begin to figure that out but it works seen once to be incredibly intriguing and worth celebrating as a masterpiece.
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10/10
An audience's journey into an origami of mind bending events....
stuntmantwo10 September 2017
Simon Horrocks takes us on a voyage of fictional assumptions that force us to question reality and leave the audience never able to see the world the same again. The sci-fi world has been given a great gift with this film that unfolds like an origami puzzle, leaving the genre and serious film puffs craving more - Bravo
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A Philisophical and Ethical Meditation on Depression and Suicide.
Most people will not enjoy "Third Contact", it is extremely low-budget, at times, very slow-moving, a bit meandering,and it's plot, which posits itself as science fiction, is really more philosophically based than science based. If anything, it is more concerned with the ethics of science than the science itself, and that is not necessarily going to be a popular topical exploration for the masses; not wrapped in this package anyway. This isn't to say it isn't a good movie, it is, and it is a great example of what you can do with lots of creativity AND skill, even with virtually no budget. There are also, some fun twist, if you have the patience to sit through the slow parts, so I recommend avoiding plot explanations.

This is a well-made film, it's filming style is fairly similar one much more well-known film, but I wont mention here in order to keep people from directly comparing it before seeing it, but it is well-filmed. The filmy is effectively claustrophobic and effectively shot in black and white, and this gives it a sense that this film is more expensive than it actually is.

The acting is well-done, and avoids the common pitfalls often inherent in low-budget film making. Again, the script can be a bit too meandering for it's own good, but it is still well-constructed, and I'm going to pin the meandering on it's philosophical underpinnings. Things start out decently and then slow down more than it should and this kills some of the momentum it gained at the beginning, but then it picks back up again in the last third, so, yes, there are some small pacing issues here.

If you enjoy your sci-fi heavy on philosophy, there is a lot to enjoy here, and there is a lot ethically going on here that might go over the heads of a lot of people, and to be frank, went over my head at first. A second viewing will definitively help you pick up on a lot of stuff that is going on that you may have missed. There is a lot more going on than it seems and this is a deceptively complex films in it's philosophical and ethical underpinnings.

God Bless ~Amy
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