Pester

Pester was one of the best independent films I have seen in a long time. Watching this family's dynamic drastically change throughout the film was delightfully thought provoking. Nick Sommer said as much with his characters gentle nuances, as he did with his dialog.

While in the beginning of the film it seems to be an open and shut case, the films situations morph into meaningful questions about what traps each and every one of us in our everyday lives.  Who is more normal, more dysfunctional, more sad and more abusive, are all themes that run throughout this movie.  

It asks the viewer to think about who the hero is, who the villain is, how many victims, as well as how many different roles humans play throughout their lifetimes.  Finally putting an emphasis on freedom and the challenges that present themselves to achieve even a small amount of true happiness.

Pester is a must see movie. Well done!

My curiosity was sparked by the interesting dynamic that existed within the Pester family. I was drawn into the story by the writer's ability to keep me guessing as my predictions of what was to come continued to change. While the film included many moments of intensity, I appreciated the comic relief laced throughout the movie. There were so many different themes woven within the plot, and the actors/actresses worked well together.The locations for the scenes were well selected and contributed to the rawness of the storyline. Judging by the quality of the picture, the filmmakers made great use of their resources. All the elements of the film helped to create a thoughtfully disturbing and thought provoking picture of family relationships. I look forward to viewing this film again!

The way Eric Gerber (Director/Writer/DP) was able to say so much with so little is a testament to something I call the Binocular effect. The Binocular effect is when you look at something that seems so ordinary from far away that when viewed with binoculars has the effect to change a perspective suggestively occupying your interest without needing to know the dialog, this is the subtlety of Eric Gerber's craft to which he infects "Pester" with. What I hope is that if you come across this movie at some point in the near future you will give it a chance. A true independent film with a wonderfully intriguing art house feel "Pester" will easily keep your attention and in turn catch you off guard with the nature of how it's presented.

I've had the pleasure of seeing Eric Gerber's previous work before Pester. I began the Milwaukee Short Film Festival 20 years ago, and continue to still run it to this day. During that time Eric was just a film student in the area when he submitted his work, and even as a young student he had a clear vision of how he saw the world.

Watching his work grow over the years, to this his first feature has been a real pleasure. His art has grown immensely, the way he studies his subjects hasn't changed, but his insights into have.

Being his own DP on his first feature help reinforce that. The imagery as usual with Eric's work are not only beautifully photographed but gives its characters layers beyond what you are witnessing.

The dialogue is sparse, and that's perfect for this film because beyond the imagery, the acting is first rate. Much is said in just the the most subtle body language. A knowing look. The hunched over posture of contemplating something. A dismissive wave. This extraordinary cast of unknowns is headed up by Nick Sommer who plays Paul Pester, a son to a fading empire. The one who might be the most stable in this small three person family unit, that is until the film takes a closer look at him.

In today's market Pester is a hard sell, but it worth it if you give it a chance. It's a film that is quiet but at the same time packs a punch. A true Independent film in today's sea of fighting robots and pretentious self important films begging for an Oscar.

Seek it out.

Pester is a very well-done independent feature with thought provoking characters and situations.

The director, Eric Gerber, does a good job of presenting characters to the audience and then having the audience slowly question their first impressions of the characters.

I found the main characters to be effective and many of the supporting characters to be very interesting and well-acted. The relationship of the brothers was a pleasure to watch as the movie progressed and we learn more about each of them.

The music was simple and effective, and the lighting and editing were top-notch.