Haunting music sets the scene for this suspenseful short thriller by Jared C. Shumate. Young upcoming lawyer, Dawson, is about to find out just how the mind can become disturbed and twisted into rage when an incident involves family. Did Dawson really do all he could to defend Dennis' nephew or is he, Dawson, the real villain? Why does he own a gun? Is he continually looking over his own shoulder at his own past? And the sister, Olivia, is she as timid as she seems in the film's beginning? Does Dennis have knowledge of Dawson's past that could blow his cover? Is Dawson worried more deeply about his sister's safety because of what Dennis knows? There are a lot of unanswered questions that lend themselves to the movie's suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat. All three actors seemed very comfortable with Shumate's directing and the tone of the films suspense. Ryan Walsh did a great job of playing the part of Dawson. You could feel his fear and he leaves you with the notion that this truly is not the end. Olivia, played by Morrigan Rathey, is a surprising character. Timid and scared in the films beginning but shows us another side in the film's ending. Nat Padgett's acting is superb. One of those 'Don't cross me, I'll be the one left standing characters'. He plays the part well. The story line and plot was at first glance predictable. But a second and third time watching leaves me with the feeling that the plot is much deeper. It leaves me wanting to see more. The setting for the film was good. Lighting and camera work was great. The shot from under the bed was maybe borrowed from the film 'Taken', but none-the-less was effective here. The strong part of this film for me was the music. Original composition and lyrics always in my opinion, makes films more interesting. I like Zack White's music writing style. The words and music are written as if the artist is writing what he feels as he watches the scenes unfold.
