WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
Phobias. Those things where we encounter dread. NOT the ideal events we want to face, or one would at least hope not, right? Amongst any myriad of factors that could arise on a day to day basis, fear should not truly BE one of those elements under “things I most desire to experience!”, especially when we all HAVE certain anxieties to begin with. Yet, how many times do we actually PURPOSEFULLY place ourselves in situations that elicit this emotion?? Anything from watching a scary film or riding in the very front car of the tallest rollercoaster in the amusement park (that’s arms UP in the air down that first drop as well, mind you!), there is SOME inclination within us that apparently WANTS to be afraid for the thrill, the rush. However, what occurs when that which SHOULD frighten you–simply doesn’t?? Online therapist Sean (Ryan Crepack) is having his latest weekly session with an overly fearful (let’s add ungrateful, too!) client, Leonard (Steve Lo Biondo). But, when a random ghost (David Esposito) chooses to try and influence Sean’s day, this is one session that takes a decidedly different turn for them both!
Next, my Mind:
A totally witty, engaging escape to spend 17 minutes of your day taking in to enjoy the laughs it does successfully elicit, this admittedly (but intentionally, folks) silly little slice of short film wonder arrives courtesy of writer/director/producer/editor/cinematographer Ryan Crepack along with producers Steve Lo Biondo, David Esposito, and Deanna Sordini, delivering playful stabs at our fear of the unknown, therapists, exaggeratedly absurd (and rude!) clients, and to top it all off, the example of when what is meant to make us alarmed ends up instead making us self-analytical. All of this combines together into a whimsically cohesive but very purposefully simplistic execution that perfectly befits the tale being told while not remotely distracting us as a viewer with anything overdone or too “busy”, as that wouldn’t DO justice to this film’s intent at all. I will say it yet again–this is the excellence of indie film’s means to take something that’s uncomplicated on the surface and merge it into intelligent storytelling and characters that end up speaking more effectively to us a people than you’d ever expect.
Through the aforementioned narrative course that sees a perhaps not so successful online therapist weathering a tedious session with a client that then turns into a totally different kind of personal summit when a rather inept specter shows up at his home and attempts to cause absolute terror (EPIC fail!), the film takes full advantage of its short runtime to allow enough of a build-up in events to keep you hooked while again not overdoing it or trying to make what we see anything more than what it’s supposed to be. Unlike a previous short from Crepack & Co. I reviewed back in January of 2016 (“Fatal Premonition” review here), the filmmaker trades dark humor for straight-up goofiness that works marvelously well here, absolutely engendering the chuckles consistently and allowing us to simply sit back and be fully entertained by the sheer wackiness we’re entreated to. Frankly speaking, this is the precise style of total nonsense we NEED in this day and age when it feels more often like there’s NOTHING to smile about, much less laugh at (other than sarcastically or in decidedly UNmirthful attitudes). LIGHTEN UP, people. RELAX!
Plus, for this critic anyway, we are talking about SMARTLY DONE nonsense here that then might just allow for another frightening actuality to be realized–there IS some depth here thematically as well when willing to do what must be done so often with indie cinema–look UNDER/BEYOND the surface. Paths that playfully address our ability to be afraid of EVERYTHING (watch the film when the option comes about to see what I mean with our main protagonist’s client!), be utterly unforgiving and hurtful towards others who are trying to HELP us, and that there’s a price paid eventually for such demeanors, like it or not. Then, more serious notions about how we feel like a failure even when putting forth our best efforts, facing up TO that, relaying our OWN need for help and it not being seen as a “weakness”, having someone to BELIEVE in us, and finally coming to the truth about who we are if we’re able to be real with ourselves and understand our actual WORTH in spite of it, all of this gets some exploration here as well. Needless to say, the finale we’re presented with here is, once more, uncomplicated–but OH so supernaturally divine in context!
Crepack becomes another example of an actor who excels at the “everyman” type of role, which serves him astutely here through his turn as Sean, an online therapist whose confidence in his abilities may potentially be as scattered and unsure as his client’s crazy kaleidoscope of phobias listed off during a weekly session. Yet, as Sean tries his level best to be patient with his, well, patient (sorry, couldn’t resist), another factor enters the fray in the form of a shockingly awkward ghost who just cannot seem to get it right when it comes to successfully bring fear to anyone. But, as Sean weathers his new “friend’s” ongoing efforts to “get him”, it becomes something else the two discuss that could end up helping them BOTH in different, and one VERY mutual, way. I loved Crepack’s foundational comedic manner, which has a real deadpan feel through understated delivery suiting the situation. For me, it’s a credit to one’s acting chops when being funny doesn’t have to be so obvious and over-the-top. Indie film, peeps. Sometimes, simple is simply better.
Supporting turns start with Lo Biondo as Leonard, Sean’s weekly client at the time who is MORE than able and definitively willing to let Sean know exactly how he feels, with no filter or even sense of decency or understanding. Even as he berates and then batters the person meant to help him with his tales of ALL he is afraid of and overwhelmed/agitated with and by, he’s summarily put on hold when Sean gets taken away with something else, much to his disconcert and boredom with the hold music! But, more is to come than he’d ever anticipate! ALL played for total comedic objectives, Lo Biondo so deftly and deliciously milks every moment he can to be a snarky as possible, creating that character you (hysterically) love to hate! Then we have Esposito as the catalyst for quite a lot of insanity, and soon-to-be-admitted insecurities, to follow through his role as the Ghost, a spirit not so good at doing his job, as he quickly discovers upon entering Sean’s world. But, even as his dogged tries keep manifesting, the Ghost gets an unforeseen session with Sean that could end up being a balm for them both–and offer another opportunity for a ghostly redemption.
Esposito likewise comes across with a level of controlled bravado that just tells you he had a complete blast playing the character, and hence is another winning performance on that understated but energetic plane of delivery. So, in total, “That’s The Spirit” makes the most of its title and the multiple meanings implied that become clear once you see the film, offering us some good old fashioned fun, frolic, and fatuity we all should take a load off and take heed of, because there IS total verity in that famous phrase stating “laughter is the best medicine”.
STAR RATING (out of 5):
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
