Next Door to the Velinsky's

Excellent movie. One of the few greats I've seen coming out of Australia. Horrible subject matter but once you adapt the mindset of " This is life. This happens" It is really a beautifully told but very tragic story. Ruby Taylor (Chloe Traicos) - a child abuse victim chooses to run away from her past and forget everything that happened. But her childhood sweetheart James ( Matt Doran) unexpectedly comes into her world forcing her to remember what she's chosen to deny and forget. This film takes disturbing memories to a new extreme - But at the same time what viewers expect to happen doesn't. There are many unpredictable thrills - not to mention the final twist which you really don't see coming. Am looking forward to this getting a cinema release. Wouldn't mind seeing it again

Next Door to the Velinskys This is one of these riveting films that you have to watch at least twice. " Next Door to the Velinsky's" is a psychological thriller like no other. In the same mould as "Memento" you're constantly wondering what's going to be discovered next. James ( Matt Doran) suddenly finds himself face to face with a ghost from his past Ruby ( Chloe Traicos) A girl who has turned to a life of prostitution and alcohol with no recollection of who James is. James is determined that she remember their past . He spends time with her using anything he can that will trigger a memory. In doing so the two of them find themselves facing a hideous reality they will struggle to come to terms with.

Review by Angus Richards – Make Believe Entertainment.

This movie Should go far.,,,,, For a little independent its pretty good. Anyone who has had to deal with a history of abuse will find this film incredibly accurate in the way its characters develop. It's also incredibly disturbing in the secrets that are uncovered and by the end you're sitting there reeling - Whoa was that real? But its a good movie. A solid good movie. Chloe Traicos is stunning in the role of the disturbed drunken Ruby. And Matt Doran is brilliant as James her savior. The film might be confusing at first with the massive jump from children playing to sexy pole dancers in a club but .... hang in there. It all makes sense. Although its one of those movies you do need to watch again as the little twists are so clever you'll need to go back to see what you missed the first time. Strongly recommend.

Small scale Australian drama concerning telemarketer Ruby (co-writer Traicos) abused as a child being shown how to confront her past by former childhood friend James (Doran). Ultra low budget psychological drama is more like a telemovie in scale and production values, but displays plenty of emotional depth as the pair rekindle their affection amid Ruby's ongoing struggle to reconcile her torrid past.

James has his own demons with which to contend, and when she's not lost in a fantasy world talking to invisible friends, Ruby is ruffling feathers at the local business where a kindly Korean businessman has taken her under his wing (much to the chagrin of his niece who views her colleague's behaviour as detrimental to business growth).

Lack of lighting and shadowy cinematography is sometimes an unwelcome distraction and the makeup applied to Traicos is unusual, but technical issues aside, the story is coherent with a watchable, offbeat performance from Traicos.

I saw this movie in Australia and was really impressed. The movie was polished and professional, albeit made on a shoestring budget. The producer Chloe Traicos was also the writer and the main lead actor and as such is a very talented person. Its great to see a strong successful female!! The movie touches on sensitive issues and was handled well, in a not too heavy manner, with comedic moments as well. Possibly if the movie brings up issues that some audience members find confronting they could be directed somewhere for follow up. Its not a scary thriller but a thinking person's movie with twists throughout. The cast was strong,script interesting and it kept me involved right to the end. Ruby Taylor, the main character, works as a sales rep in a company and seems to be getting undeserved preferential treatment. Gradually during the course of the movie, the audience finds out the reason why and everything becomes clear with Ah Ha!! All in all an excellent movie from a great up and coming talent.