The Swerve

I've never heard of the actors and filmmakers for this movie, so I went into it not expecting much from this B-grade film. Wow, was I surprised.

This is amateur/newb filmmaker Dean Kapsalis first full length feature film debut as writer, editor and director, with only two short films under his belt. This, dear filmmakers, is how it's done!

I really can't stand slow paced films, but this one held my attention throughout, although it could've been a little tighter. The 95 min runtime was just right, and the story well showcased in that timeframe, especially from a filmmaker experienced with just (only two) shorts.

This film embraces its heavy subject matter thru a riveting and troubling psychological drama about the incidental facets of daily life and their devastating impact on those who are struggling with depression, which relentlessly spirals out of control.

Kapsalis' directing was spot on, with excellent random shots intertwined with emotional close-ups, that were portrayed to perfection in the stellar and award worthy performance by Azura Skye. I'm talking a Meryl Streep performance here. Even her hair and make-up made her illness and emotions seem so authentic.

The cinematography and editing were on point. The score was outstanding, very fitting, and evident only were it needed to be - a rarity for a B-grade film, as they are usually overbearing, unfitting and annoying.

I can't wait to see what Kapsalis comes up with next, as he's a filmmaker to keep an eye out for. It's a definite recommend from me, and a well deserved 9/10. To see more of my 1000+ reviews and my reviewing criteria, simply click on my username.

Amazing performance by Azura Skye. She inhabits this character and I can only imagine it took a toll on her.

This film is dark. It's slow. That's not a bad thing. It examines this character going through dark times. Isolation. Depression. Nobody is helping. Anxiety.

You will feel beaten up after you watch it. But it's an emotional experience that is worth having.

I'm trying to be vague because you really want to experience this without too much information. Just watch it.

Be sure to have something cheery to watch after.

I saw this reviewed elsewhere as 'horror' and 'elevated horror'. It is neither, and thankfully so , as far as the the latter is concerned. I assume because this movie played at the end of Frightfest it has been given that tag. It's important to know this going on, because if you are expecting a horror movie you will be very disappointed.

It is however a very good movie, that providing you can get through the first 15 mins without abandoning it as being more pretentious crap, becomes very watchable and hooks you in.

The main proponents of that are the acting and the direction. The plot itself is pretty silly. Thankfully though, it is a vey watchable movie, albeit exaggerated on reviews as to how harrowing it is.

I love watching all kinds of movies but this one I could have passed on. The acting was good but it's slow. It was hard to keep interested in and predictable. I found it to have one good line. Some amazing art. In all the movie is as exciting as the trailer was.

This movie, though depressing, is a very good watch. It sees a woman who is a teacher going through day to day life, only battling major depression. What makes it sad is nobody sees it, even though its painted all over her. Only one person really gets it and sees her struggle, and I won't spoil who that is. Not going to spoil anything but all I can say is that it was all I could do not to start bawling at the end. Watch at your own risk, because I could honestly see how this film could end up putting someone in a slump. If you're prepared though or movies like this just don't have much of a negative effect on you mentally, definitely watch it.