Primordial

When I first watched this, it was a rental from Amazon. All I could think at that moment when it was over was just amazed. Well, another word came to mind actually but I don't know if this website will allow me to say d**n (harmless word but I think it's one of the words that got Amazon to reject my first review).

I recently got reminded that when a movie looks like it would be awesome to go see in a theater, usually it's not, these days that is (at least for my interests). That movie I am thinking of is that newest Star Wars film. Nearly fell asleep a few times through that one but this film, it kept me excited and engaged the whole way through. I am so sick of spending so much money at a theater over these past 10 or so years just to feel I wasted part of my life and money.

Now, this time, I stayed home and rented this movie (for a fraction of the cost of what a movie ticket would be) and find it was well worth the time in my life that I gave up to sit and experience this. I say experience because you don't just see a movie, you get an experience. That's a rare thing to get in films today. Some may like that experience and others, well, it may be just too much to handle (and some may not get it). Me, I loved it.

It's a brutal film but that by itself wouldn't be why I say all this. Murder-Set-Pieces from Nick Palumbo (uncut version) was brutal, extremely so but this, which is not quite as brutal (close enough though), was more intense and more extreme in many ways, IMO. There is much that combines with the brutality shown that just makes this so extreme and one heck of an of an experience. Now of course this doesn't have the big budget and such like many of those big films at the box office but it is still one heck of a film that isn't hurt by that, IMO. Of course there's always this or that which could have been done in any film and more money can help some of those things but it can also make the people lazy and less creative and more dependent on flashy content than substance. This film has heart (even if darkened), soul (even if it's a damned one) and substance with a good dose of creativity.

The characters in the story are real. It's not like the crap (prefer to say s**T, but don't want this review rejected) you get in many movies today for characters and the acting feels genuine, these actors didn't seem like they were acting and you feel as much as you see; feel the intensity as much as you see it.

Much reminded me of people I know/have known and some parts make me think about my own self. The movie does not feel like some made up story with half butted acting (wanted to say half as**d but don't want my review rejected). It's raw & brutal and it dives head first into the depravity of the human psyche of some individuals, which many humans like to pretend does not exist in or around their little world or maybe, even within their own mind.

The experience was like listening to the music of Thy Light (which blew me away to be reminded that music is in it; I had forgotten), you feel what's going on as you go through the experience just as you do with Thy Light's music. BTW, if you are a fan of Thy Light, you must see this film. You hear some in the first half but it's thick with the music in the second half. I wondered in some scenes, was the scene being set to parts of the music or was the music parts being set to the scene. I just loved that aspect of the film. A fan of Thy Light will at the very least appreciate this aspect of the movie.

The women and men in this movie have done an awesome job of creating this for us. Kudos to Eric Widing for making a film like this and going the direction he did with it and not being afraid to give you a dose of reality, that luckily for many, will never get to experience in their own life. You can tell that Eric and the actors and whomever helped them get this made did more than just brainstorm some good ideas to give you a cool movie, they had of went to some intense places within themselves to give you an experience that you will either love or hate. I don't see much middle ground for this movie. You'll get it or you won't, you'll love it or you'll hate it. Even those whom get it, it may be a bit much for them. If that sounds like your cup of tea, check it out. I'm glad I did.

Yeah, I dug this mean little flick A LOT, although I'm probably biased since it triggered beloved memories of those cheap sordid violent flicks Richard Kern crafted in the 80s and 90s.

Please note that my use of the term "flick" here is not pejorative or dismissive... I use that term as a badge of honor reserved for low budget indie films which transcend their humble origins by successfully telling a tough no-nonsense story in tough no-nonsense terms.

Marylee Osborne is fantastic in the lead role as Valerie, who harbors some seriously sadistic tendencies but keeps them bottled up, until the right opportunity provides a way to indulge her inner demons. It's so cool to see a female lead playing a dangerously-edgy character, with the physical presence required to make her a credible threat.

Film is technically primitive but that actually does justice to the material, creating an appropriately gritty and desperate atmosphere. There is a clandestine, almost voyeuristic feel in following Valerie's descent into the depths.

Most people will probably be repulsed by this, or will be distracted by its technical shortcomings, but I was glued to the screen, and I applaud everyone involved for their work.

Time for honesty. I like the style, but the cred was sorely lacking. Just not believable. Unless Val was revealed to be a cyborg. Instead of her just overpowering everything, make it credible by having her out think the opponent. Little things like pulling a trigger. If she really shot that way, nothing would strike.

Like a violent descent down a spiral staircase straight to hell, with every scene you follow a young fledgling criminal as she sinks further into depressive state and slowly gives over to the darkest urges of her sadistic mind. Ending up on the wrong side of the criminals, she now finds herself hunted and her whole world crumbling around her. Eric Widing delivers an absolute punch-to-the-gut with his dramatic and grim tale of a person on the edge of sanity who may be slipping into the abyss. These actresses put on an astonishing performance that is heavy, dramatic and extremely graphic, compared to what you normally see from most of them. Experience a dark ride while watching this film, and do be careful not to let yourself give over to those sinister urges that might be hiding inside of you.

This is writer/director Eric Widing's second full feature film. The first, Hellhounds, was a unique film that assaulted the senses with wide use of color and sound. In Primordial, Widing still makes use of sound to assault the senses but makes beautiful use of black and white for serene nature scenes. It was unique to see some of the high paced action with heavy metal music lead into these beautiful, serene scenes shot in black and white.

Widing does a spectacular job with the writing and directing. Widing stated a lot of his inspiration came from things that have happened to him, that he's heard has happened, or that he's dreamed. There is a particular scene that he stated in the commentary was inspired by a dream which is truly horrifying for the viewer. The writing itself is very down-to-earth and the casual conversations felt like something friends would normally have.

The actors were phenomenal with Marylee Osborne portraying a woman, Valerie, who is already down and out of luck finally getting to act out her darkest fantasies and going on a downward spiral into deeper alcoholism. Erin Ryan portrays Tina, one of Valerie's closest friend, who is going through some trouble herself which gives Valerie something to hold onto for majority of the film. Adam Clevenger is Tayshawn, a gangster that upon first meeting appears to be a stereotype but soon shows how well developed his character is. Clevenger brilliantly describes and performs horrendous acts with no remorse.

Widing also inserted several easter eggs for fans of the various indie films from Ohio that the fans will get excited to see.

Overall an excellent film that is highly recommended!