WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
You know those people in your life that are simply so overtly annoying, you’d do just about anything to shut them up? No? Well, that’s a good thing! But, what occurs if you’re not so fortunate and one of said aggravators is not only present, but related to you! The question beckons again–what would you be capable of doing to rid yourself of such a thorn? Beautiful but now beleaguered Sonya (Arianna Danae) suffers this agony, all thanks to a more than abrupt and cantankerous old man–her Uncle Max (Bill Taylor). More than just a mild irritation, Max’s gruff, profane, lecherous, and demanding demeanor frays Sonya’s nerves to no end, prompting her to devise a scheme to be done with him–for good!
Enlisting the aid of her boyfriend Joe (Nathaniel Sylva), Sonya makes the first move to knock off Max. Seemingly a success, she and Joe decide it’s time to celebrate while plotting to abscond with Max’s money to boot. However, things are not so elementary when it comes to murder, with Max having a very unbecoming habit of somehow avoiding actual death, regardless of the means Sonya employs. Soon, Joe’s intolerance with the whole affair begins to reach boiling point, even while in the meantime, Sonya’s attentions have strayed to her love-struck neighbor, Phil (Logan Lopez). As Joe’s anger and confusion peaks, Max’s stubborn refusal to pass plus his constant goading cause a chain of events that changes everything–and exposes unexpected turns in motives.
Next, my Mind:
Presented with a cleverly orchestrated mix of dark humor, biting drama, a splash of romance, and one excellent twist to top it all off, writer/director/co-producer Rufus Chaffee’s 21-minute short film is certainly an illustration of what can happen when solid execution in visual style, acting, and overall delivery meets well-conceived, entertaining writing. Taking the radically edgy path in showcasing the concept of how we as human beings attempt to deal with those around us who simply cannot do anything else but live to antagonize, vex, irk, and all-around exasperate us (adding an obsessive love of cheese curls and Screwdrivers to Max’s list of quirks), Chaffee’s narrative flows along with smooth, albeit diabolical, purpose and assuredly keeps the viewer engaged the whole span, as soon, you will find yourself laughing at the situation more than ever expected given the overall premise, then falling into disbelief as proceedings take their story-altering swerve.
Danae is fantastic as Sonya, a woman so on the edge of sanity because of this “evil” old man that she finds herself completely driven to come up with tactics and associated strategies to “off” him. Watching her own calculated maneuvering and manipulative use of Joe along with way is humorous in itself, and definitely points to things not all being what they seem. Danae displays these traits and actions wonderfully throughout. Sylva is likewise fun as long-suffering boy toy Joe, whose utter malaise at the whole situation is entertaining in itself, even as other drives within him want to dictate his actions when it comes to Sonya. Watching Sylva take the Joe’s character through his constantly growing state of discontentment is both hilarious yet strangely sad. Then we come to Uncle Max, who is absolutely portrayed with excellence by Taylor. Totally but deliciously over-the-top, Taylor enacts Max as the aged, disgruntled, bitter old man he is, and his verbal abuse of Sonya is grating as intended, yet a complete riot when realizing just how deliberately Taylor is making Max the unlikeable person he is.
Add in to these off the chain circumstances Lopez’ unassuming, nerdy neighbor Phil, a character who ends up playing an unexpected role as things unfold, and even ends up with more than he most likely ever would have dreamed about. In total, despite the overage of language this reviewer never prefers in general, “The Trouble With Uncle Max” is a fun, moody, brooding romp through eerily comedic and murky waters that more than deserves a look for its sharp filmmaking and astute script.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
