WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
The things in life that haunt us. Mostly, they are mistakes, bad choices, imperfect decisions that almost have a life of their own. And as our conscious minds recollect such acts or deeds, it is usually with such force as to cause guilt, remorse, and even shutting oneself off from everyone and everything else around us. Such is the aged existence of Jim Novak (Bingo O’Malley), a man truly set upon by despondence as the past weighs heavily upon his twilight years. Eldest daughter Laura (Adrienne Wehr), having contacted a local doctor, Dr. Burton (Randy Kovitz), to assess Jim’s condition, struggles seeing her father in such a state, as does young granddaughter Molly (Nina Debiasio). But what’s on the surface is only the start.
Stubborn and refusing the medicinal treatment prescribed to him, we get a startling and eerie look into each passing night, as Jim’s sins revisit him in supernatural form, plaguing his sleep and causing more than a little uneasiness in the house. As each apparition makes itself known, it casts a light on the misdeeds of Jim’s earlier life via his military service (Alex Blair) and his own family (Olivia Krivacs & Caroline Collins), giving ominous indication the spirits are restless and have all been waiting for him to cross over. As Laura and husband David (Robert R. Bell) keep trying to alleviate the stress and tension in their home, an even more sinister secret is revealed, and the concept of family loyalty and motive is turned on its head.
Next, my Mind:
Director Barak Shpiez delivers a creepy and edgy take on ideas ranging from Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” to the noir-based concepts found in the works of Alfred Hitchcock, and this is not said lightly. In 15 short minutes, “Inheritance” paints a vivid picture of one man’s guilt-ridden struggle with a checkered past, the ghosts that haunt him, his deteriorating condition, and an even darker twist that shows how human greed can be truly evil. Bingo O’Malley is truly solid in his performance as Jim, wholly infusing the character with every iota of willfulness, frustration, fear, and ultimate realization that the story presents, to very great effect in combination with the often unearthly visuals and overall tone of the film.
On the same note, actress Wehr is equally adept in her role as Laura, whose notions of caring for her father are certainly present, yet one cannot help but wonder what lies beneath her calm exterior. The other cast members also perform admirably, but this truly is a story about a father and daughter, the cost of past undoings, the legacy we leave behind, and the depths people can sink to when situations and motives are simply too distorted. Thanks to the addition of a very evocative and affecting soundtrack, courtesy of Mr. Shpiez as well, this is one fantastic, well-rounded indie short film that most certainly deserves the notoriety it has already been given. And more of the same should be on the horizon for “Inheritance”.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
