Driven

I've always enjoyed comedy horror films (Rocky Horror, Beatle Juice are some of my faves), so this film interested me, although I wasn't sure what to expect. Another genre I would add is suspense as many of the scenes methodically build to a climatic crescendos. Some viewers may feel a little claustrophobic inside the female protagonist's car, but this was for me part of the film's appeal: you feel like you're actually in the vehicle, sharing the two leads' experiences, reluctant to leave the secure confines of the car because of the evil that may be lurking outside. Both leads were convincing in their roles although I was initially somewhat annoyed by the acrimony between them. I eventually warmed up to them and even found myself empathizing and become emotionally invested as each began to lower their defenses and work as a team. I don't want to spoil the ending, so I will close by saying that if you watch this film, buckle up because it's going to be a wild and crazy ride!

I first encountered DRIVEN, the quirky love child of COLLATERAL and SUPERNATURAL, as part of a film festival last year and immediately thought it was deserving of a wider audience. Casey Dillard's brisk, cleverly-batty script is served beautifully by Glenn Payne's steady direction and DP Michael Williams' obviously-keen eye. Yes, there are demons and the fate of humanity might be at stake, but the real treat here is the chemistry between Richard Speight Jr. ("Roger"), a mysterious loner with a whole bucket load of secrets, and Dillard herself ("Emerson"), a wannabe stand-up comedian working a ride-share night shift. The two actors banter back and forth, trading licks like virtuoso musicians, first antagonistically, and then ... well, watch the movie. The dialogue is sharp and witty and the two central performances are perfectly wrought.

The casting of the Speight (of the aforementioned SUPERNATURAL), who broods and charms in equal measure here, was a real stroke of brilliance by Payne. Speight's mere presence immediately conveys the tone for which Payne aspires (and achieves). Yes, to return to my initial comparison, the fun we have is more CW than Michael Mann, a refreshing, if all-too-fleeting, cool breeze of a film that whisks past you before you even realized how much you enjoyed it, but there is real craft and sturdy filmmaking on display here, from the script, to the cast, and right on up the line, made all the more impressive given that this is an independent film made a zillion miles away from studios and their resources. Payne succeeds in making a film that, effectively, takes place inside a car for 90 minutes completely and utterly engaging and, COLLATERAL comparison notwithstanding, it all feels fresh and uniquely-spun. That is no small task. Give DRIVEN a shot. After all, who couldn't use a rapid infusion of cool, fresh air right about now?

"Driven" is a fun little romp of a thriller, harkening back to the days of Rod Serling. Saw it last night on Amazon, and have kudos to the cast & crew for creating a watchable film. Close-up cinematography is very well done, lighting & sound is solid. Story seemed to drag a bit in the multiple driving dialogue scenes between Speight and Dillard, but recovered well to keep us entertained. Interesting concept, in this day & age of Uber.

If you want to watch a movie solely about a woman driving a rando guy around while arguing, this is the movie for you. Waste of time.

This is another of the independent "gems", being upvoted by the "family and friends". Don't bother watching, this is an amateurish attempt at filmmaking. Acting is the least objectionable part of it, and it's not that good, so you can appreciate how fares the rest.