Primordial

As with all my reviews, no spoilers. Only discussion on content and production.

It is rare that I watch a movie and come away feeling like it wasn't worth the watch, no matter how small, but this is one of the few that falls in to that boat. I read reviews for movies on IMDB for everything I watch, and nearly every one has at least one "smartallic" commenting about how the acting was horrid, the movie was the worst ever made, and that they want their 90 minutes back. I detest those reviews, as they're typically written by younger watchers who want one thing, and have their expectations set prior to watching. I attempt carrying a blank slate in to a film so that there are no expectations to be shattered, achieved, or exceeded. I watch a lot of independent, low budget flicks, so it helps when there are no preconceived notions.

That said, "Primordial/Violent Instinct" feels like a disjointed student film in its presentation and represents nothing as the nearly perfect reviews make this out. After reading each review and seeing how stellar the movie was to these folks, I was excited to watch a well made violent film. This was not the case, as it looks and feels like a homemade film.

As the movie progresses in to the plot line illustrated in the IMDB synopsis. I actually thought it could be a decent watch, especially since it's not even 90 minutes, but was immediately turned off by the opening scenes. Once it hit the dialog it was clear that it would be a tough watch. Here's why:

• the actors are not pros. The actors aren't even amateurs, at least based on their skill. The speaking is wooden and is delivered in monotone, with no inflection, no body language, no anything. I fully understand the direction taken here; the director hoped for an off kilter, creepy, dark movie where the characters contribute to the antithetical wickedness of the story. Sadly, the actors were so bad that this was completely missed.
• too many "effects." Again, it is somewhat apparent what the director is going for, but the weird lighting, the digitally added screen fx (e.g. static or wavy lines) add absolutely nothing. Not only do they add nothing but they become cumbersome and annoying, especially with the terrible acting underneath. I enjoy odd fx like this when used sparingly, and for adding to a particular scene, but it's as if the director doesn't know any better, and figures "hey...the more the better."

the music is awful. Once again, it's as if the director doesn't know any better. A film "score" should complement and add to whatever is onscreen, not detract and the music is just not good.

• as if you didn't see this coming, the directing is high school level at best. I'll leave it at that, as it would be overly verbose to criticize everything wrong directorially.
• the overall production is poor. I'm used to microbudget films, as not everybody who wants to make movies is funded by studios. I've seen some excellent flicks with budgets of $2500. It doesn't happen every day, but there are a fair number of decent movies made on little to no budget, so lack of money is no excuse. Ultimately it all comes down to a lack of vision and lack of execution. The editing is horrid, the special fx (if you can even call them that) are not special at all, the scenery is nothing more than your buddy's house down the street, the film looks like a home camcorder, the sound fades in and out as if it was only picked up by whatever mic was on the camcorder, and there is no evidence of any real post-production. Oh wait...they added all those visual fx and music, so there must have been some post...just nothing worth noting.

Sadly, I really wanted to like this, as I enjoy dystopian stories with misanthropic characters. The long and the short is simple...the actual plot could make a decent film if accompanied by qualified actors and a decent director. Forget all the issues with editing, sound, post-productions...I can overlook any/all of that if the acting is convincing...something is NOT so with this one.

There's really nothing more to add about this, and as of April 2019 this sits at an almost-6 rating. I can't imagine anyone finding enough in the flick to make the average this high. I appreciate when someone makes a film they are passionate about, even when it's not very interesting. This one, however, never even gets off the ground. Every aspect but the plot is worthless, in my opinion. Thankfully it wasn't overly long.

If you watch the movie, give me a thumbs up if you agree or a thumbs down if you disagree. Always curious to see what people think of my opinions.

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.

Primordial is a clear example of the evolution of promising director Eric Widing. By evolution I do not mean that drastic change to appeal to another "type" of audience that sadly most directors, artists, even musicians do in time, but through consistent work and the same creative process he used in Hellhounds. Widing's greatest achievement in this film comes from exploring the female psychopath mind, rather than offering us yet another male psycho perspective like thousands that are already out there. The twisted main character's personality is shown in a very crude way, without taking into consideration those female "characteristics" that women are mostly known for. Strong female characters are good for women! Valerie is the finest example of how a potentially smart woman wastes her life while not realizing her true strength.

The intense relationship between Valerie and her friend Tina deserves a special mention just for the strong interaction they developed, which could be seen as the key path to Valerie's emotions. You know what they say, "it is the thing we love most that destroys us," in unexpected ways. I admit that I also laughed plenty of times as much as I was shocked by their performances, which is very positive in my opinion.

I also really enjoyed Valerie's revenge. The preparation, the ritual, and the dark determination are very memorable. To kill could be a catharsis for those who deserve it. The last scene is very well made; it gave me goosebumps and kept me more engaged in the film and the character than I already was. I could also highlight Valerie's friendship with the men she later realized were dangerous bastards, which is a unique portrayal of the destructive friendships we are surrounded by in our lives. And finally, that sadomasochistic lesbian scene, I must confess, really pleased my personal sexual aesthetic taste.

On the technical side, the editing, lighting and music create an effective atmosphere. Especially the music since I am myself an extreme metal lover. What else could mix better than prolonged sadistic violence and extreme music?

In spite of these statements, I assume that people who do not like horror or sadistic gore will not find beauty in the grotesque nature of this film. I have read some criticism on the film's disturbing content, but hey, Widing is not exactly making a comedy. Though, for those who enjoy the genre I would give you my highest recommendation with confidence. Here in Latin America, I have already shown this film to two people who also loved it.

I am definitely looking forward to seeing more of his works in the future. Widing has my unqualified professional endorsement and my deep respect.

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.