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First, the Recap:
Wounds. They take on many forms. Some are physical, some are mental. Either way, they can take a toll on us. Such is the case for professional hockey player Chris Chaffe (Josh Mitchell), whose most recent game has him facing an unexpected and debilitating circumstance–a fourth concussion. Ending up in the local hospital, the prognosis doesn’t get any better after the attending doctor spills the news no sports figure wants to hear. Fighting it as much as he can, it becomes apparent that the after effects of his injury continue to haunt him. Additionally, him being home all the time now begins to weigh on the mind of Chris’ wife Ana (Aida King), even as he is spending quality time with their son, J.J. (Bradley Bundlie).
Trying to ease the potential tension at home, Chris advises Ana he’s actually gotten new job opportunity at a local construction site, though the hiring boss, Samson Sturges (Lauran De Winter), an old friend from Chris’ past has a past of his own. Thinking things have long since changed, Chris takes to the job, though the presence on site of a pair of local Mexican gang members causes a pause in Chris’ overall trust in Samson. Not ultimately thinking anything of it, the next day brings trouble when it turns out there’s more to Samson’s life issues than Chris realized, all involving payments owed to the gang. Subsequently, events transpire that lead Chris to take matters into his own hands in order to protect his family.
Next, my Mind:
Massachusetts-born, now Los Angeles-based, lead actor Josh Mitchell, who also served as director and writer on this seventeen minute short film effort, delivers a story that really can be interpreted multiple ways, at least to this reviewer. The ongoing beauty of indie cinema is that these narratives like “Hemorrhage” often portray serious situations and intentions, but somehow, in the midst of it all, there’s this darkly comedic element that sneaks in. And with this, it almost dares the viewer to find reason to chuckle a bit at what could be seen as the total absurdity of the character’s situation, yet, you still TAKE it seriously as that IS the tone of what’s being portrayed.
And again, let it be understood, this is not trying to take anything AWAY from the film itself. Mitchell’s Chris is a man facing hard breaks in a job he loved and now, having at least found something in order to provide for his family, gets caught up in extraordinary events that force him to take action. Plus, in doing so, he can only act in a manner by which he is familiar and confident with. The supporting turns by King, De Winter, and Bundlie add the appropriate catalysts for the film’s main essence.
However, in all honesty, some of the action sequences seemed just a tad forced, perhaps not quite as well executed overall as other efforts this reviewer has seen. In total, what it comes down to with independent film often is looking beyond certain elements that might seem a little lacking, and instead seek out the heart of what the work’s final intention truly is. This is a theme that’s been done a lot, but at minimum, it’s a little piece of small budget fun.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
