Sunset on the River Styx

This film essentially begins with a bus driver by the name of "Will" (Phillip Andre Botello) becoming bored and depressed from his day-to-day routine. So much so, that he even contemplates suicide. Then one day he strikes up a conversation with an equally bored and lonely woman by the name of "Ashe" (Jacqueline Jandrell) and they become friends and lovers. However, much to Will's dismay, she soon loses interest in him and becomes fascinated by another young man by the name of Wreck" (Cory Vaughn) instead. So, upon discovering that Ashe has found someone new, Will crashes a party that Wreck is hosting and this causes problems for everyone involved. Now, rather than reveal any more I will just say that, after reading an earlier review, I had a suspicion that this film might not be too entertaining--but since I really like vampire movies, I decided to give it a try just in case. Well, after wasting about 94 minutes, I can pretty much concur with the previous reviewer. This was a boring movie. Admittedly, the idea of exploring the transformation from human to vampire seems quite interesting. Unfortunately, the director (Aaron Pagniano) clearly had no idea about how to take advantage of this concept as this film adds nothing to the existing vampire lore. Quite the contrary, as the pacing is so slow and the characters much too uninteresting for anything to be achieved at all. That being said, there really isn't much to this movie to get excited about and for that reason I have rated it accordingly. Below average.

This is a fun and surreal vampire film, inventive and lofi in a fun indie way. There's some really great trippy sequences with sharp cinematography and editing that keep you anchored even though some crazy shit is going down! Excited to see what this director does next.

Beautifully shot and masterfully edited, River Styx is a unique indie horror with twists you wouldn't expect and a story that will satisfy all the lost souls who are beckoned to watch it. Aaron Pagniano directs a story that would fail is less capable hands and it was astounding all that was accomplished given the limited resources of the crew.

Great chemistry between the two leads! This is an indie horror movie that manages to scare you AND hook you in with the characters and the romance. It deftly blends tones and has a cool, never before seen setting with exciting vampire lore. Also, some trippy, mind-blowing sequences toward the end that had me on the edge of my seat. Will never see vampires the same way again! Highly recommend.

Sunset on the River Styx is a beautifully shot character study set in an exstitential headspace. This movie uses new and innovative cinematography to play with the idea of perspective. The characters in the film share a relationship together and yet could not be having more different experiences within the confines of their relationship. The expert cinematography of Sunset on the River Styx conveys the characters highs and lows beautifully. Every shot of these movie is beautiful to look at. The writing is heavily existential and tackles the feeling of insignificance every human being has felt before.

Ultimately, Sunset on River Styx is an innovative look at perspective and existential dread. It's story of breaking free of our mundane routines to find a larger purpose is one that is sure to speak to people.