WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
Now making its American debut from across the Pond courtesy of Production Company/Distributor Workbus and director Christopher Presswell the film introduces us to a complete cad in Jack (Andrew Fitch), a very self-assured man who quickly demonstrates that he is worthy of his ego-centric demeanor. When a certain “arrangement” is brought up and questioned, Jack devises a scheme and puts it into motion by inviting a specific group of friends together for an evening social/game night at his flat. Among those invited include best friend Frank (Nigel Thomas) and his wife Vera (Isla Ure) as well as Major Burns (Tom Knight). Beginning innocently enough, the evening takes a rather startling turn as from out of nowhere, Jack throws out the notion that Vera has been unfaithful to Frank. Initially, the friction is palpable, but somewhat subdued until Jack continues to throw “gas” on the proverbial fire. Soon, events take harsher turns as the tension between Frank and Vera builds and builds. Denials and anger take center stage, while all during this verbal chaos, Jack sits back with blissfully unaware Major Burns and enjoys the fruits of his diabolically conceived plans. Once circumstances completely and inexplicably force Frank and Vera to part company, Jack unleashes the final plays in his game plan, much to the detriment of one guest. In lieu of this final act, and a well-placed call to local police, Jack surmises he’s pulled off the perfect crime-or has he?
Most assuredly pulling from the influence of classic Hitchcockian films as “Rope” and “Dial M For Murder“, “Candlestick” keeps the viewer completely engaged in its web of lies, deceit, and criminality masked under innocent beginnings with effortless finesse and simplicity. Favoring the one location setting, devious lead character, and film noir cinematography, one cannot help but remain captured during the one hour twenty minute offering director Presswell provides here. Fitch shines here as the relentlessly cool Jack, who masks his greater, more evil intentions under a crocodile smile and suave wit. Thomas does an equally good job at playing the somewhat doltish and naïve Frank, who quickly finds out he has quite a lot of inner rage he can unleash when pressured too much by Jack’s carefully prepared accusations. Ure is beautiful and refined as Vera, whose evening quickly deteriorates from pleasant to bleak in a matter of minutes. Honestly, veteran Knight gets to play a basic part of additional party guest here, but still does it with the flare an actor of his caliber should, as the Major is ultimately oblivious to the endgame transpiring around him. The stark yet quietly upscale setting of Jack’s flat provides the perfect backdrop for this story to take place as well, and the ending to this incident unfolding is a gem to watch come about. In summary, a well-written, darkly comedic, superbly tragic story is what takes this independent effort and elevates it to some great viewing and entertainment.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
