Being a big fan of indie films, I usually grade them on a curve, taking into consideration the small (sometimes tiny) budgets, the lack of big name actors, etc.
Sorry to say, this one doesn't get a pass. The direction, dialogue, and acting are all sub par. There is a bit of dark humor, but it adds nothing to the inexplicable and senseless plot.
There is zero character development. The so-called "love story" is meaningless, because we never get to know the characters.
I'm giving it 2 stars for Brandon Culp's performance as a young mute teen who works at a car wash. He tries hard. Erika Hoveland is a total loss as the "psycho" woman. She's just not believable, mainly because we learn nothing about her character, and she's not a convincing actor to start with.
I understand that the filmmaker was 26 years old when he made this, and his inexperience shows. I think he was trying to evoke the classic B slasher movies of the 1970's, like _Texas Chain Saw Massacre_ or _Motel Hell_. But those movies didn't take themselves seriously. This one does, but we just don't care.
Good indie films deserve to be seen and heard. But unfortunately, not this one. You'll feel like you wasted your time when it's over.
There is zero character development. The so-called "love story" is meaningless, because we never get to know the characters.
I'm giving it 2 stars for Brandon Culp's performance as a young mute teen who works at a car wash. He tries hard. Erika Hoveland is a total loss as the "psycho" woman. She's just not believable, mainly because we learn nothing about her character, and she's not a convincing actor to start with.
I understand that the filmmaker was 26 years old when he made this, and his inexperience shows. I think he was trying to evoke the classic B slasher movies of the 1970's, like _Texas Chain Saw Massacre_ or _Motel Hell_. But those movies didn't take themselves seriously. This one does, but we just don't care.
Good indie films deserve to be seen and heard. But unfortunately, not this one. You'll feel like you wasted your time when it's over.
