I wasn't really sure what to expect with TLMEA - the sequel to Kopacka's dreamy HADES, about a woman trapped in hell. TLMEA follows the story of Schweitzer (Chris Kotzen) - the boyfriend of HADES protagonist M. (Anna Heidegger). He's a policeman trapped in a dream during a drug raid.
As with HADES this film is very experimental in it's narrative, cutting back and forth between alternate timelines, drifting in and out of the world of nightmares. The story is told in chapters of the 9 levels of hell. The further they descend, the more eerie the drug raid gets, finally ending in a blood chilling finale.
The biggest plus point of TLMEA is undoubtedly the atmosphere, which is done to pure perfection. A sense of dread and despair, a feeling of being lost and steering to an inevitable end. The amazing camera work, lighting, editing and a hard hitting yet melodic score (provided by the band Aiko Aiko and the director himself) further help in creating a dream like atmosphere through and through.
This time around there's also dialogue (though Schweitzer, as his counterpart in HADES is unable to speak throughout the film). The acting is pretty good, most notable being H.K. DeWitt's portrayal of Nordmann - the asocial, menacing yet somehow likable partner of Schweitzer. Though only seen briefly, Iman Rezai shines as well, in his return as "Charon", the ferryman. Director Kevin Kopacka also has a pretty cool cameo as Johnny Arson, an almost "Mortal Kombat" like TV character in the universe of the film.
Overall, I enjoyed the film very much. Similar to an actual dream, it drew me in and completely immersed me in this world. It might not be for everyone, due to it's abstract nature. But if you're open to films that challenge and go beyond the generic Hollywood formula, then TLMEA is a must see!
