WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
When you’re in a war, you can normally tell who the enemy is. Your adversary is blatantly evil, vicious, and more than clearly intent on attacking you with or without provocation. But, what happens when the appearance of good and evil isn’t as clearly defined anymore? Liza (Cami Jenkins) and Carson (Mickey Stone) have been on the move in a sprawling wilderness for some time now. Running across and though the forested countryside, fleeing the aftermath of an undisclosed, world-wide catastrophe , the pair must also remain vigilant against mostly unseen, if only barely glimpsed, pursuers who dog them along the hardened road they follow. With the single goal to reach a place of sanctuary, known only as Montauk, hope manages to remain despite the trials they’ve faced.
Yet, it soon becomes apparent there are deeper truths and darker secrets being harbored between the two, even as they come upon a place of respite and reflection along their path. Cami’s mysterious hunting trips into the woods, Carson’s hearing of screams echoing though its dense tree-covered ground, and his discovery of a woman named Gabby (Juli Tapken) while on a hunting trip of his own who endears herself to him, much to Cami’s annoyance and distrust. But even as they three of them prepare to move forward in their quest for Montauk, actions taken by Gabby suddenly throw everything askew, bringing up doubts, questions, revelations, and signs that things are coming to a head with choices about life, faith, and eternity. What happens when the enemy you fight might actually be from within?
Next, my Mind:
One indie feature length project and two short films later, director/editor/producer Brody Chaze takes on the first two elements of that description for “Godsend”, the newest effort through Maddy White Films and distributor MetroWest Media. Choosing to address a faith-based narrative via a distinctly less blatant, yet no less potent, thriller genre format, the film carries the weight of its message throughout, but executes it visually in a manner many might not expect. Stark cinematography, eerie forest noises, an appropriately ominous soundtrack, plus straightforward dialogue delivery give the film a sense of practicality infused with grit. The level of violence, implied or not, also lends credence to the film’s themes.
From the acting standpoint, Jenkins and Stone are both solid. Jenkin’s weary but steadfast Liza is the perfect character vehicle for the actress to first give the viewer someone that could seem vulnerable, but then showcase someone who’s actually quite able to take care of herself. The reasoning behind that is an interesting reveal, though this reviewer had to admit there was one point of overacting while striving for an attitude of menace during a certain scene. Stone plays Carson as the everyman forced into extraordinary circumstances, which become that much more out of this world in the film’s final act. But, Stone gives the character a sincerity of purpose and heart that becomes integral to the story.
Juli Tapken as Gabby is wonderfully well-cast, as her doe-eyed character is most certainly more than she appears to be on the surface, and there is also that intent and drive behind the way Tapken embodies the role and represents Gabby’s key part in the tale. Another key and disturbingly tragic supporting character is provided by Kari Fabian. A minor misstep with some fake blood looking a little too fake is the only other item that stuck out in what is otherwise a uniquely adventurous indie film take on a spiritual subject that could most certainly draw people from outside the church in.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
