Silent as the Grave

Based on true events, its an effective crime drama focusing on a documentary filmmaker who sets out to make his second feature investigating the decades old death of his uncle who may have been murdered. Written and co directed by Brad Podowski (and Dan Gremley), the film is paced well, acted by a strong ensemble with a nice subtle approach. As our filmmaker hero, lead Chris (what a great name, lol!), Michael Kunicki gives his role the right amount of nerdish determination to make him charming and likable. He's surrounded by a good ensemble cast. Podowski and Gremley make good use of the Chicago locations and the moody score by Raphael Dargent is a highlight. This is a stylish film noir whodunnit (set during one Christmas) and worth a look on Tubi.

Graves are never silent, especially not if someone continues to put flowers on it 60 years after what was officially an accidental death, so naturally someone has to start digging about it, in this case a young enthusiast for noir films whose wife is expecting their first baby, while his interest in digging about the grave risks his marriage and family, since his wife just can't put up with competition from a grave that is not silent. Naturally he has to finish the job and keep digging even when threatened and beaten up by thugs, and finally gets some help by someone who has kept silent for too many years (60), and that's where the film becomes interesting. The first hour is a lost hour, nothing happens, while the last hour at last presents a case. As so often in such cases, when you get to know too much, it's no idea pushing it on any further, especially if your young wife will have that baby and you want to keep your family. Enough is enough.

I've long been a fan of film noir and just recently finished reading Eddie Muller's "Dark City: The Lost World of Film Noir." So when I saw the trailer for this neo-noir-esqe crime story, I just had to take a look. And I'm so glad I did. Silent as the Grave is about a documentary filmmaker with his own love of film noir. And his curiosity about a family mystery soon leads him into a real life crime story of his own. I won't spoil the plot, but it's fair to say as the mystery grows, so does the filmmakers sense of peril. This was a delicious crime-drama. And you don't have to be a noir fan like me to enjoy it. If you like a good, involving mystery with some dark family secrets, you'll get into this movie. I absolutely recommend it.

I enjoyed this film which is a family suspense drama based on true family stories. That's what hooked me and it's a slow build up to the conclusion but worth it although I had a feeling about who the "bad guy" was from their introduction. The lead actor is good as he uncovers family secrets but the supporting characters could have been developed more. I liked the cinematography and the overall look of the film, much more professional than other independent films of this genre. Editing could have been a little snappier to bring out the suspense but the noir-ish score is top notch and surprisingly jazzy in parts, which I loved.

I enjoy discovering new, truly independent productions, often hit or miss, Silent as the Grave is a major hit.

A simple well-made film, classy, with fine directing, acting. Michael Kunicki is an outstanding lead for this film, a Hitchcockian hero.

The directors Messrs. Gremley and Podowski give the material an old school thriller, mystery feel to it, film noir.

The Christmas theme throughout is a nice touch, contrary to the scenes unfolding, kept my interest throughout. Nice twists and turns, wonderfully not predictable.

The fact this is based on a true, personal story makes it all the more remarkable.

My hat's off to all involved!