Dead Weight

Charlie (Joe Belknap) is traveling through the wilderness to find his girlfriend, Samantha (Mary Lindberg), after civilization is destroyed by widespread biological attacks. He must try to survive while dealing with other survivors and his own emotional burdens.

The post-apocalyptic world is a well-trod staple of the horror genre. Some would say, not without good reason, that it has been trod just a few too many times. But "Dead Weight" succeeds with this theme by making it the background rather than the foreground of the story. This is, in fact, a romance story disguised as horror, adding an emotional level that most horror films lack.

The sheer level of acting talent going into this production is remarkable. Some of those involved are professionals, who spend their every waking moment acting. Some (in fact, most) are amateurs, making their theatrical debut here. And with one or two easily overlooked exceptions, all the performances come across as strong and bold. I have seen my fair share of independent films, and this one takes talent to the next level.

Directing and cinematography are top notch. A few shots seem inspired by some of the better directors out there, or even bad directors (M. Night Shyamalan) when they were at their peak. I have lived in Wisconsin for three decades and have hardly thought of it as beautiful, but the camera has brought out the best and the bleakest that winter has to offer, depending on what the scene called for. I am told that due to snow one scene had to be moved from a field to a barn, but this turned out to be a stroke of good luck -- the scene in question is among the most ominous in the film, and a field would be more difficult to capture the angles and shadows needed for the terror that ensues.

And although the film is quite dark at times (with the threat of infection, murder or rape always on the horizon) there is just the right sprinkling of humor in there to keep it from getting too dark, but not too much humor that the film would devolve into a parody of itself. The jokes and their delivery seemed inspired by the early films of Kevin Smith ("Clerks" and "Mallrats"), and based on what I know of director John Pata, that seems completely appropriate.

Likewise, the balance of "geek" and "non-geek" is pretty stable. The creators are well-known geeks who thrive in the world of comics and cheesy movies (which I mean in the nicest possible way). Yet, they never let this get in the way with endless homages and pointless references. Yes, Charlie is a comic reader. But he is also a fighter (you think just because a guy reads comics he can't start something?). Aside from the "Arnold moment", the film's only real nod is in giving Samantha the surname MacReady, which I took to be a subtle reference to "The Thing" (another story about survival in the snow).

I say in my headline that this was "Dawn of the Dead" meets "Blue Valentine". I think the "DotD" references speaks for itself. But the "Blue Valentine" reference might not. What really sold the film was the juxtaposition of Charlie's life getting progressively worse with flashback shots of it getting progressively better. Not all romances are good ones (as Lady Gaga has so aptly reminded us). And this film nails that.

Sadly, if I have to say anything bad about the film it is in the chemistry. Joe Belknap was great as a survivor and was an admirable lead character, a flawed and tragic anti-hero. But his chemistry with Mary Lindberg was just not there... the weakest scenes are the two of them interacting. Lindberg was great in every moment, but Belknap seemed to struggle with how to present himself as a boyfriend.

All in all, a strong first showing from Pata and Bartlett (ignoring the shorter, funnier "Better Off Undead"). Whether they are planning to go for a big distribution deal, or quickly dive into their next project, I wish these two the success they deserve. Until now, the best thing to come out of Wisconsin was the beer and cheese. "Dead Weight" gives those two fattening staples a run for their money.

This is fairly effective raw and stripped-down genre filmmaking. The people behind "Dead Weight" decide to focus on the human element, presumably not having the wherewithal to stage elaborate set pieces, or construct lots of makeup effects. It's likely not going to appeal to the majority of horror fans, due to this de-emphasis on action and gore. But the writers / directors, Adam Bartlett and John Pata, get excellent use out of some great rural Wisconsin locations, and the acting, while expectedly not that polished, is reasonably convincing.

The script moves between different points in time, often flashing back to happier moments from our two main characters' lives. Charlie Russell (Joe Belknap) is a young man who receives word from ex-girlfriend Samantha MacReady (Mary Lindberg) that all of a sudden an apocalyptic viral outbreak is under way. Charlie hooks up with a select few survivors, including Meredith (Michelle Courvais) and Thomas (Aaron Christensen), to make a trek through the Wisconsin woods to rendezvous with Samantha. (Supposedly, the woods are safer than the cities).

"Dead Weight" is a quiet film, no doubt about that, that may admittedly test the patience of viewers conditioned to quicker pacing, louder volume, and more action. But at its core it's an effective little mood piece with some impressive atmosphere and a resonant main theme of trust issues in times of crisis.

Belknap and Lindberg are likable in the lead roles, receiving fine support from their supporting players Christensen, Courvais, Sam Lenz (as Dustin), and Jess Ader (as Drew). Steve Herson as Harrison does a pretty engaging job of getting out what little exposition there is.

Travis Auclair handles the lighting duties and does a good job; Nicholas Elert similarly delivers the goods with his music score.

All in all, this is pretty good modern indie horror.

Seven out of 10.

Cheap: 1. No subtitles; really poor audio level control; poor enunciation at times by actors. 2. Another cheap production by "Ruthless Pictures" and "Head Trauma Productions" - the names should give you a "heads up". 3. How's this for an imaginative start. Smelling a gallon of milk to see if it's sour then pouring it on some cereal (close up of cereal box included in the editing), then eating the cereal. That scene alone foretells the rest of the movie. 4. Really cheap props. The viral outbreak consists of some little red circles over a map of a few cities shown on the tele. Followed later in the movie by a dead person with fake blood. Other than that - nothing. 5. 90% of the movie consists of a several people sitting and talking; walking and talking. Location sets/scenes consist of a room and a couple of farms. A couple of other people appear - whoopee! End of movie.

I had the pleasure of being able to attend the premiere screening among a small intimate crowd at the Time Community Theater in Oshkosh, WI.

The movie, well, where to begin. I have nothing but love for this movie. It takes me back to when movies were not filled with huge amounts of special effects, but were great because of the story, because of the actors and their performances. This to me is what makes Dead Weight a great movie. It touches on many nerves, it hits you in the gut and in the head with it's thoughtful but truthful portrayal of a man who will do anything and everything to keep a promise to make it to his destination.

It's not a long movie, it actually feels much longer I believe because of the depth in which the story unfolds.

In the end, I was left wanting. Wanting to know more of the characters and the world that exists in Dead Weight. If you a Walking Dead fan, you know what I mean, it is as if, as soon as one episode is done, you are excited for more! Lastly, even though it only has been a couple of weeks since seeing it. I already want to see it again. Time to buy the DVD.

Very well-done movie with great acting. Less focus on zombies and more on the living. Pretty shocking scenes. Stripped down movie, seemed to be filmed in winter in Wisconsin. Nothing flashy, just raw humanity.