Painless

I stumbled across the trailer of this movie and was curious to check it out. What a treat. This is a smart, human, original piece of indie cinema that works really well as a drama as well as a thriller. The main character who cannot feel pain is riddled with so much mental anguish that his face exudes it in a way that evokes so much empathy. The movie defies genre expectations and manages to deliver a very compelling human character-drama along with what feels like a carefully researched sci-fi-thriller (in the true sense of "science" rather than fantasy). One is reminded of Aronofsky's Pi in the best of ways - but this film has so much more to offer. I highly recommend it.

The story was incredible. Such a rare, unique, almost unheard of topic. Kudos to Jordan Horowitz as a writer, director, and producer for broaching and bringing to life such an idea.

The script was amazing. It did not skip a beat at all. The story flow was rich, authentic, and perfectly timed at every stage of its unfolding.

The casting was impeccable. The actor's performances were wonderful and the interplay between each was great. It's particularly notable as I assume the actors have no experience with this subject matter and they emotionally connected to the story and each other in the most honest of ways.

The production was stunning. Absolutely beautiful! I was shocked to hear that this movie was produced - studio/cinematic quality - on such a conservative budget and tight schedule. This includes the creative DP decisions made , the graphics, and music.

Was fliipping thru what to watch and this caught my eye. I enjoyed it very much. There were times Henry got on my nerves. I wanted to scream just live! I wanted him to have romance. I cried at different part of the film. I've never seen any of these actors and was amazed how great they were. I especially liked the Good Dr. Forgot his name. The end really made me cry. I saw a person write this was scifi? I don't think so? Any ways I must of really liked t because watched it last night and just woke up and here I am reviewing.

I had the pleasure of seeing this film when it screened at a sci-fi film festival in Austin, TX, called Other Worlds Austin. It was one of my favorites from the entire festival. I was so impressed with this film, because it elevates science fiction from what people normally expect. "Painless" is an impeccably written, character driven story about Henry, a man with a congenital disorder that doesn't allow him to feel pain, and his quest to "cure" himself. Rather than taking the path of most science fiction and action films and creating a superhuman character who is invulnerable to pain, this movie was extremely thoughtful in considering how a person with this disorder might become extremely cautious and closed off. It's Henry's struggle with his solitude that make this story so captivating. Joey Klein gives an incredible performance as Henry, and the supporting cast excels as well. The cinematography in this film adds so much to the story. Jordan Horowitz did an amazing job writing and directing this film. I'm so excited to see science fiction moving in the direction of emotional storytelling and not just clever plot lines and CGI creatures. I hope I get to see this film again, and I'm very excited to see what everyone involved with this movie does next.

This is about a guy who can not feel physical pain. He is trying to find a way to remedy his condition.

This was a bit of a drag for me. I was expecting it to be much more thriller than drama but once it fell into the drama rut, it just never found a way out. I guess if you are looking for a slow, dark drama it could meet you needs. If you are wanting a thriller you are better advised to look elsewhere.