Lifechanger - Die Gestaltwandler

McConnell's film places the main character in the role of both protagonist and antagonist. A shapeshifter, unsure of what it truly is, fighting emotionally against its own nature and drive to survive. Told in amplified conceptual storytelling, the film flows with a hint of melancholy juxtaposed against frantic horrific circumstances. It is all more "art film" than traditional horror.

The acting is top shelf, and there is a consistency in identity that is maintained in the many actors who all play the main character Drew. It is an exceptionally hard task to maintain, and a necessity to make a story of this unique nature work. Kudos to both the director and casting. A voice narration lapped over the film by the original Drew helps but had not McConnell's writing been so strong, the story could have easily become muddled.

The special effects are bone-cracking, visceral moments of practical, gooey delight. Unfortunately they are short-lived moments for most of the film , which moves pretty quickly. Perhaps if the pace were slower more time to enjoy the horror transformations could have been had, just saying. The pace also cripples the ability to really be vexed by the emotion and drama put forth in "Lifechanger". Still it is a good movie and definitely worth watching

Lifechanger is a very unique horror movie which had me gripped throughout. It's very much a character study of one man/woman who can take the forms of other people but has to kill them to do so. Sprinkled with a love story and some pretty gruesome body horror for good measure, Lifechanger is a very special kind of horror movie that I'm sure won't be for everyone but I loved it.

The acting is superb and I really got into the character's heads which really helped, expecially because the lead is quite a dark character.

Great Cinematogtaphy and sound design add to its eerie atmosphere and tone. I would strongly reccomend you give this one a shot.

MOVIE: 3/5 PICTURE: 5/5 SOUND: 4/5 CAST: 5/5

I'm going to start with the positive: GREAT production values, WELL shot, WELL, lit, FANTASTIC special effect, acting performances were (meh...) hit and miss, but forgivable in most cases...

BUT THE SCRIPT -- Oh geez...not that great. As a matter of fact...kinda cringe-worthy. And the screenplay is the backbone of any film. If you don't have a solid script...DON'T MAKE THE MOVIE...(just yet, at least.)

The script felt uni-dimensional, not much substance other than the primary storyline following the shapeshifting body-jumper. Mostly dull during the entirety of Act 2. The movie would have been more interesting if there was a secondary plot line (maybe somebody following the shapeshifter who notices something strange going on?) This is what I get paid to do, so take it as free advice.

Even at the After Dark Film Festival premiere during the Q & A--I don't know if anybody else caught this--but the director ADMITS the screenplay was about a draft away from being perfect...like...HUH?! ARE YOU SERIOUS MAN?! Even if you think that (which I concur, you are correct...maybe even understating it a bit,) you DO NOT ever...under ANY circumstance ADMIT that to a sold-out theatre packed with people who paid to see your latest feature!

This is Canadian Film...unfortunately. Seems like so much potential is squandered because egos get in the way of good storytelling. (And that's not just an "opinion", that's empirical truth, otherwise there wouldn't be an acting/directing/producing talent brain drain heading to L.A. to make their dreams come true.) We cannot compete with Hollywood because it's like junior hockey competing with Pro NHLers. Story is everything. DO NOT compromise. Sorry Justin...I REALLY wanted to like your film but it sucks.

If you just expect a horror movie, you'll be disappointed. This is an example of how you can tell a beautiful story (drama / romance) supported by horror elements. 'Lifechanger' does it very well. I watched knowing nothing about it and I was pleasantly surprised. I don't quite like clear-cut films; I prefer when genres intertwine to produce something unique. Indie films don't have to follow the rules as much as bigger productions, so they sometimes give us little gems like this one. However I do understand that horror buffs might feel misled about the trailer; hence why I never watch them!

I enjoyed watching this flick. I did feel confused at some of the plot lines but that on the side this was a fun watch. The premise was simple but effective. I think it could of been produced a little differently to really ramp the motives but still it didn't deter too much from what was a creepy movie.