Darkness in Tenement 45

This movie i poorly written and poorly acted. I was really hoping that this as one of those gems that have an amazing story that makes up for the terrible cinematography and the horrid acting but sadly, the story was very sub par. I wanted to like this but there is no redeeming qualities to this movie. watch it if you are bored and want something that will not excite your mind in any way.

A film that requires a large amount of suspension of disbelief. The end was predictable - not too much of a problem for me, since the journey was an interesting one. It's a simple story and so much more could have been done with the characters, especially with regard to dialogue and conflict. I saw a lot of unfulfilled potential. Overall this is my kind of film, and in an objective sense, it is very well done for its budget. It produces emotion in its audience (for me, primarily the urge to blow Martha's face off) and that's always good. But as a study into human behaviour, it lacks any psychological accuracy or point - there was no real insight or meaning. My problem with the end wasn't that it was predictable, it was that they had to make it depressing as well. Still, 6/10.

DARKNESS IN TENEMENT 45 from writer/director Nicole Groton

Perfect for the times we are living now and the upcoming winter season. Turn down the lights and get ready to be on your couch not knowing what to expect next. The time is 1953 and threats of a Viral bomb from the Soviet Union on NY is upon our holdouts in a tenement. They refuse to evacuate but as always people remain behind. Our main character Joanna (Nicole Tompkins) is coping with a very uncomfortable set up. After having an episode that set her over the edge she moves in the tenement with her Aunt Martha. Aunt Martha (Casey Kramer) and her Uncle Felix (David Labiosa). Martha immediately put her on edge and not really helping her condition which she calls the Darkness. The Darkness leads her to experience hallucinogenic dreams and indulge in bouts of self-harm. Now if living with Aunt Martha is bad enough, the impending biological threat from the Soviet Union has everyone on edge. Unable to leave and food being rationed things are getting rough. They collect cockroaches to cook while they attempt to ride out the quarantine. To make things worse, Aunt Martha who is used to leading is getting to be an issue. She has completely taken charge and changed the locks on the other apartments. They are locked in a can't get out. She punishes the children for disobeying. She puts fear in everyone saying that it the toxic are gets in there doomed and will die. They cant leave or take the boards off the heavily boarded building. Her husband decides to venture out to try and find food. The landlord Horen (Anthony Marciona)who has lost all control of the apartment is also losing it. Which makes Joanna condition under closed quarters even worse. Joanna takes charge eventually claiming she has proof that this apocalypse there living never happened. This explanation goes well with the kids and they accept Joanna as there savior. She has bouts with her condition and really makes it tough on her to lead. Her mind is playing tricks on her And she is nuts. Martha has her own tactics which start to get ugly and violent. Movies like this that have claustrophobic elements are great if well played out. A great Cast and crew really pull this off. The tight quarters of the scenario is so well played out you feel there fear. The characters are scared and forced to listen to the leader in Martha with no other choice. The fear of what's out there turns out to be as bad as what's inside the building. Such a simple set up is so well done here. You feel what the characters are feeling and feel the walls closing in on you as they experience it. Joanna is so well cast and really pulls off this very difficult role. Every character her plays off each other and does a wonderful job in entertaining the audience. The Director Nicole Groton pays attention to detail and makes you feel like your back in the 50's during the Cold War. Lightning and set design here is so perfect. This is sought of Twilight Zone on steroids. People are thrown in a situation and totally crack. Society is so easily breakable when thrown in a catastrophic condition as displayed so perfectly in this movie. This movie is available now and I highly recommend it.

Set and lighting aside, this story was well told and well acted. The building tension, devolving situation, build to the truth, all berry well done. I enjoyed this movie.

What this film lacks in budget, it makes up for in story and style. Honestly, this movie is everything I want and expect in an indie horror film. It's unique, dramatic, engaging, and shockingly relatable despite its mid-century cold war setting. The performances from the two lead actresses were especially strong, and the combination of original scoring and period music set the tone brilliantly.