The_Triad

This film came up on my IMDb recommendations and i decided to check it out not expecting much. Wow, was I surprised. The film begins with the pace and feel of an afternoon TV movie, albeit one a bit more dark in tone and mysterious. Ben is a hotel manager and widower, his wife died in a car accident years ago and he is bringing up their daughter as a single dad. His wife's father blames him for his daughter's death, for running away from the wreck. That's a pretty deep jumping off point and from there some mysterious visitors arrive at Ben's hotel and turn his world upside down. I don't like to spoil plots of films too much but from there on in, the film becomes intriguing and gripping right until the end. The cinematography actually really stood out at times too - particularly the scenes after the meteorite hits and the way the story was put together especially the ending is a great example of using cinema as an art form, with minimal exposition and a beautiful, incongruous ending. Highly recommended.

Indian Summer is a warm, multi-character film, that would make a fine afternoon film (with a bit of editing).

The film begins in the past with a group of children being shown a moose, which sets the tone perfectly before cutting into the present, when a group of adults from the "golden age" of the camp are invited back again to spend a few weeks holiday by the head of the camp, Uncle Lou. The film then allows the viewer to spend time with these characters as they remember their times at the camp, and form new memories in their latest stay.

The film succeeds in the great way it brings across its characters in this gorgeous setting, and allows them room to develop without having to worry about plot developments. Watching these people reminisce, and their relationships with each other is what the film is all about and why it works so well. It never goes to over the top and melodramatic, always keeping its warmth, charm and realism. I've never seen a film where nostalgia is captured so well, and found myself getting drawn in despite never having been to one of these camps as a child myself.

For a warm, nostalgic character movie, I sincerely recommend.