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Indie Film Review “Delusion”

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WATCH THE TRAILER HERE

First, the Recap:

Companionship. Sought after when we feel lonely or simply in need of company, this usually equates to positive, reviving time spent with those we appreciate and treasure for their wisdom, encouragement, or simply as fellow human beings to relate to. Sometime, however, perhaps we need to be wary of the company we seek out. For Frank (David Graziano), he only desires to be connected with something special again ever since the loss of his wife, Isabelle (Carlyne Fournier). Initially spending time with his nephew Tommy (Justin Thibault), Frank’s ongoing inner turmoil and need for a semblance of peace leads him to a local medium, Ms. Lavinia (Irina Peligrad), who presents an ominous premonition and warning to Frank and his pursuits.

Undeterred, Frank unexpectedly encounters an enigmatic younger woman, Mary (Jami Tennille), with whom he connects rather quickly, feeling a sense of parallel reality between his state of being and her own. But, Frank also encounters the appearance of a likewise mysterious man (Kris Salvi), who may or may not even be real, yet seems to be another potentially unsettling harbinger of ill tidings. Pressing forward in his newly forming relationship with Mary while also reflecting back on much happier days with Isabelle, Frank’s grip on what’s actual vs. imaginary starts taking a toll on his sanity. As dark forces are revealed, manipulating situations, plus driving Frank more and more into haunted dreams and a fractured mind, events come to a head, the truth is revealed, and the resolution to it all is more frightening than ever.

Next, my Mind:

The newest feature film effort from writer/director/co-producer/editor Christopher Di Nunzio delivers its shadowy premise and initially subtle, unnerving horror elements with blunt force precision and intent. Utilizing a slow burn approach in the film’s first act into the initial part of the second, building circumstances, eerie visions, and tension, the narrative slams home in a flurry of sudden, violent, profanity-laden action that pummels the senses and more than adequately puts an exclamation point on the proceedings. This notwithstanding, the project’s ultimate finale adds an even more visceral aura to the story presented, with grim execution this reviewer must say. Stark cinematography, creepy imagery, and just an overall atmosphere of foreboding dominate the film as it moves through its paces.

Graziano’s performance is indicative of the veteran actor’s previous work, and this means an engaging, entertaining, and effective turn as Frank, a man attempting to simply find a fresh start, a new connection, to fill the void left by his dearly departed wife.  Innocent enough until ignoring the signs of possible misfortune takes him down a road filled with strife and sinister forces beyond his comprehension. The character is both understated and in-your-face, with Graziano navigating this beautifully. Tennille’s Mary is excellently enacted here as what appears to be a normal, younger woman looking for her own sense of self and a new lease on intimacy with someone until we discover this siren’s song has a lot more behind it than first known. Watching Tennille turn from a simple seductress to a truly diabolical agent of chaos is very solidly performed.

Equally integral and well-done supporting turns are presented by Peligrad, Fournier, Salvi, and Thibault in addition to Renee Lawrie as medium Ms. Rose and Jessy Rowe as local waitress Wendy. While this reviewer didn’t prefer the flood of language and one particular scene of violence that all occurs during the final act, “Delusion” is another worthy effort from Di Nunzio and crew, providing a different manner and style of dramatic horror that isn’t common to the oft done genre. It will please fans, plus ideally gain new followers who might not normally take in this type of tale.

As always, this is all for your consideration and comment.  Until next time, thank you for reading!

 

 

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  1. Great movie. Wonderful and very entertaining. Check it out it doesn’t disappoint.