Sync

A dark, slow-burn sci-fi thriller with a premise that's eerily plausible in an increasingly technology and social media-dependent society. It plays out like an episode of Black Mirror, complete with the initial intrigue and inevitable dread that's synonymous with the most memorable chapters. The movie is truly frightening at times, with a small but effective cast that builds narrative tension to leave you appropriately uncomfortable as the story comes to a head. Carolina Alvarez and Tessa Markle are incredibly promising filmmakers, and I look forward to seeing a lot more from Femme Regard Productions.

Carolina Alvarez delivers a very solid directorial debut and performance in SYNC. It walks the line of a new genre of psy-fi, coded with terrifying girlypop influencer notes. I was on the edge of my seat, as was my husband who couldn't take his eyes off the screen. The way the elements of SYNC-ing were weaved effortlessly into the world, and the ingenuity of working with an indie budget to make it all come to life was really remarkable. Loved the performances, the look, the tone, the costumes, and the direction. Kudos to the whole cast and crew - led by the amazing Alvarez. These are filmmakers to watch!

SYNC is a worthy debut from independent producer Femme Regard Productions. As of this review, this near-future techno dystopian thriller is relevant. People are lonely, and they're turning to the latest social technology fad to try to find connection.

Ayla (Carolina Alvarez), a social media influencer, uproots from the East Coast and relocates to L. A. where she shacks up with childhood friend Devin (Tessa Markle). Devin convinces Ayla to "Sync" with her, wherein they will be able to live in each other's thoughts through this new tech, truly becoming inseparable.

The process takes a couple of days and the effects build gradually. As Ayla gets deeper into Devin's psyche, she sees things that may have best been left unseen, and Devin's control over her becomes firmer. Ayla has to find a way to stop the "Sync" before their thoughts become one permanently.

The performances are consistent throughout, with Markle and Kelly Lou Dennis (Margy) standing out most. The film is short by feature standards, but it could have used a little tightening in places to improve the pacing (the pace is still good overall). Lighting is vivid, camera angles are used to great effect, and the score is delightfully appropriate. Most importantly, the script is tight and clever.

If this was Femme Regard's debut (and it's already won awards at festivals throughout the U. S.), the sky isn't even the limit for them.

You've often heard complaints these days about new movies not being original or fresh. SYNC does a good job of being both. See it.

Sync is a truly brilliant storytelling about today's world aspects of human psyche. It explores themes of manipulation, loneliness, and lack of intimate connection between people. The director Carolina Alvarez introduces the audience, in a clever way, to the aspects of dependency on AI technology which leads to a great reflections about the future of the human race.

Fantastic acting, gorgeous camera work, incredible visual moments, beautiful editing, raw production design and original costumes makes a perfect thriller!

SYNC was a debut from independent production Femme Regard Productions, executed in a remarkable way in all aspects of the film making. Highly recommend to see it!

Sync tells the story of two female friends who reconnect after lead character "Ayla" played by Carolina Alvarez decides to move to a new city and room with her not-so-close old friend "Devin" played by Tessa Markle. After rekindling their connection over wine and memory lane, the two girls decide to "sync" minds using a new technology deemed safe and encouraged by society around them in this not-so distant future. Soon however, tensions begin to bubble to the surface as deeper secrets from the girls begin to unravel and the reality of sharing minds may be too much to bear. Will it be a grave mistake, one that may or may not be reversible? This a strong debut feature from Femme Regard productions!