WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Cause and effect. The slippery slope of justifying actions that would normally be deemed somewhat or blatantly iniquitous is one navigated, most likely, more often in this world than we’ll ever be privy to. But when, in our minds, the ends DO validate the means, how far are we willing to go to see the goal accomplished? The highly isolated town of Pine Ridge has just experienced a rare event of note–an overt crime. But, for one man named Chance (Shannon Brown), his arrival in the midst of it all involuntarily immerses a couple, Frank (Ric Morgan) and Emma (Carla Abruzzo), into the aftermath, causing an unfolding web of revelations, lies, and secrets that could undermine them all–and undo a motive based firmly in Chance’s heart and soul.
Next, my Mind:
When I was advised by one of this feature film’s producers, Suzette Brown, that I might expect to witness a narrative that harkened back to such classic indie gems as “Fargo” and “A Simple Plan”, it assuredly both piqued my interest while allowing me to anticipate a certain level of factors to anticipate that would combine dramatic eccentricity, moments of playfully dark and straightforward humor, violence, and character-centric execution to tell its tale. An accurate description, while additionally reminding me of particular facets of the Icelandic show “Trapped”, this 112-minute effort from writer/director/producer/cinematographer John Wesley Norton, producers Shannon Brown, Carla Abruzzo, and Bob Farster plus executive producers Ric Morgan and Bruce Spielbauer (the latter five of whom also acted in the film) presents a true, engaging, twist-filled, yet accessible and uncomplicated homage to all of those efforts, but does so in a manner that still enables the project to maintain its own unique identity throughout.
Finding its footing via a story centering on a small town that is unexpectedly rocked by a very uncommon occurrence (on Christmas Eve much less) and the specific residents’ lives that are altered because of it after a stranger comes calling to their home following the incident, it doesn’t take the film long to begin smartly employing its myriad of tangents to excellent effect, drawing us in as the viewer to an extent that does have us questioning exactly what direction events will go, much less for better or worse for the characters involved. Thematic forays into desperation, negotiation, domestic abuse, cover-ups, deceit, finding out all is not what it seems, fluctuating alliances, establishing (or possible ruining) trust, ambition, apathetic authority, the price of making deals with the wrong people, and the searching for a way out of less-than-ideal circumstances all get their fair share of exploration as the narrative unfolds and the characters find themselves in an ever-deepening quagmire of equally oscillating agendas as everything begins to close in around them.
Yet, in the insanity of these choices and/or decisions, what for me gives the film its ultimate punch is when we discover exactly what’s brought Chance to the town and why his need to rectify a situation that resonates to his very being is so imperative, no matter what it might cost. It’s this that actually provides the film a degree of heart that wouldn’t necessarily be what one would expect from what is otherwise a more consistently brooding atmosphere (albeit one that, as hinted at above, is tinged with doses of basic but wonderfully humorous instances that admittedly lighten things up nicely with well-placed, intelligently written style), leading up to a finale that has both a solidly presented set of twists as well as a beautifully utilized ending sequence that makes is realize the real soul behind the story we’ve observed. The effort is shot with precision and smoothly rendered camera work and the music score by composer DC McAuliffe stands out for me, simply for the way it elicits the sense of ominousness the story carries, moody and melancholic, yet hopeful as well.
This was my first opportunity to see Shannon Brown (whom I had the pleasure of meeting in person in 2021. Thank you, C.J. and Lorissa! You rock!) in action on screen and I was more than suitably impressed by the actor through his role as Chance, a mystery man who has come to Pine Ridge for reasons that are initially his own until the mess of events that unfold bring him into the world of troubled local couple Frank and Emma who proceed to further turn his world upside down. Yet, even as Chance strives to control what is occurring, it leads to a web of untruths, compromises, shady agreements, and a totally unanticipated connection with someone that soon has him realizing it all just might work out in the end. Brown very effectively portrays Chance’s “everyman” persona and acts of both genuine heartfelt care and overtly frantic resolve, which for me made it more believable to watch and empathize with the character’s plight, seeing him as just a man in extraordinary conditions just trying to make it all right, played with the perfect levels of bravado and passion so as not to OVERACT the emotionally shifting predicament the character is in, but rather give Chance that grounded realism, a credit to Brown’s acting talent.
Morgan showcases his adeptness of the art of acting through his turn here as Frank, the local man whose home is unceremoniously “invaded” by Chance. Despite Frank’s initial indications that’s he’s possibly less than kind to his wife, it begins to become apparent that there’s more to his story than we first gather, even as his attempts to reason and make arrangements with Chance becomes an exercise in both experienced manipulation or otherwise being an absolutely annoying presence for Chance to handle. Truly scheming from start to finish, the character is actually quite a joy to watch, and Morgan nails Frank’s quirks with excellent poise and plenty of amusing swagger. Likewise, Abruzzo shines brightly in her performance as Frank’s apparently long-suffering wife Emma, a woman we can immediately tell has not enjoyed a life free of what might as well amount to indentured servitude to men. But, when Chance enters the picture, Emma sees potential for a way out, which only makes all her interactions with him both strangely endearing yet suspect as well, not always being fully sure precisely whose side she’s on. Abruzzo navigates Emma’s initially vulnerable then almost frighteningly intense, calculating purpose with a substantial level of control and dramatic flair that suits the character to a “T”.
Primary supporting performances are many, including Suzette Brown as Deputy Gale, a Pine Ridge police officer who has designs on higher office while being the real voice of authority in the department, Bruce Spielbauer (channeling a little bit of Sam Elliot in his appearance) as Sheriff Cooper, a man far from concerned about the crime that has been committed much less solving it, and Harold Dennis as Deputy Williams, one of the only other officers with even an inkling of desire to actually work the case in question. Additional supporting appearances are made by Katharin ‘Ladie K’ Mraz as Deputy McIntosh who certainly has her own unique way of dealing with locals, Joe Caballero as Browning, a business associate of Frank’s who’s actually a little more than just your average Joe, Kayla Kelly and Linda Terborg as Cherly and Monica respectively, local waitresses who try their best to “aid” in the case, along with Marla Seidell as local (rather hilariously inept) reporter Lori, Bob Farster as Corky, Dave Andersen as firefighter, and Abigail Melger, whose appearance to say the least packs a weighty and heartstring-tugging punch.
So, in total, “For Hannah” is a dramatically powerful, unconventionally comedic, cleverly arranged and implemented indie film effort that isn’t at all attempting to be a COPY of the films it is clearly inspired by, but rather to be its own form of tribute to those projects while firmly establishing its own distinctive footprint in the genre. Also, for this critic, it’s a further example of the creative drive and total, fervent ardor indie filmmakers and artists have for their craft, and that’s something that DEFINES this level of cinema and something that is NEEDED a LOT more in the world of film.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
“For Hannah” is a solid, suspenseful drama that keeps you waiting, wanting and guessing the next turn of events. All the characters are believable and perfectly cast. From the opening scene, throughout the film and up to, and including, the final scene, the cinematography enhances and blends with the top-notch performances turned in by the actors. John Wesley Norton’s superb direction lends to outstanding interactions by Shannon Brown (Chance) and Ric Morgan (Frank), and Shannon Brown and Carla Abruzzo (Emma). Suzette Brown is excellent as Deputy Gale. Viewing this film was a very entertaining and enjoyable experience.