Lifechanger

I see a lot of negative reviews about this film, however I found it decent enough.

The premise was good, the execution not brilliant, but the film leads you down the path of appreciating what you have and to not take anything for granted. Until you realise this film is supposed to hit you emotionally and isn't packed with action, you wont fully appreciate it.

A bizarre and original story with a few flaws. A mysterious and creepy treat for those who enjoy horror.

Lifechanger follows a serial killing shapeshifter who needs to change bodies so often or else he will die. A fun concept that can be explored in film. Yet, the implementation makes the low-budget nature of this film too obvious. From cheesy noise effects to random changes in pacing. This film tries to achieve much yet has flaws that can be suspense breaking.

Yet, I respect that this film focuses less on jumpscare and more on suspense building. The blood and guts can be toned down and the film remain powerful. Conflict feels like it's dished out to the audience instead of a more natural flow. If only the directors knew to rely less on cheaper effects for more powerful storytelling.

Acting is excellent throughout. Each character giving their own spin on the film. It's a bit tragic and sad with more emphasis on drama than horror.

2.5/5.

I'm going to start with the positive: GREAT production values, WELL shot, WELL, lit, FANTASTIC special effect, acting performances were (meh...) hit and miss, but forgivable in most cases...

BUT THE SCRIPT -- Oh geez...not that great. As a matter of fact...kinda cringe-worthy. And the screenplay is the backbone of any film. If you don't have a solid script...DON'T MAKE THE MOVIE...(just yet, at least.)

The script felt uni-dimensional, not much substance other than the primary storyline following the shapeshifting body-jumper. Mostly dull during the entirety of Act 2. The movie would have been more interesting if there was a secondary plot line (maybe somebody following the shapeshifter who notices something strange going on?) This is what I get paid to do, so take it as free advice.

Even at the After Dark Film Festival premiere during the Q & A--I don't know if anybody else caught this--but the director ADMITS the screenplay was about a draft away from being perfect...like...HUH?! ARE YOU SERIOUS MAN?! Even if you think that (which I concur, you are correct...maybe even understating it a bit,) you DO NOT ever...under ANY circumstance ADMIT that to a sold-out theatre packed with people who paid to see your latest feature!

This is Canadian Film...unfortunately. Seems like so much potential is squandered because egos get in the way of good storytelling. (And that's not just an "opinion", that's empirical truth, otherwise there wouldn't be an acting/directing/producing talent brain drain heading to L.A. to make their dreams come true.) We cannot compete with Hollywood because it's like junior hockey competing with Pro NHLers. Story is everything. DO NOT compromise. Sorry Justin...I REALLY wanted to like your film but it sucks.

Lifechanger is a very unique horror movie which had me gripped throughout. It's very much a character study of one man/woman who can take the forms of other people but has to kill them to do so. Sprinkled with a love story and some pretty gruesome body horror for good measure, Lifechanger is a very special kind of horror movie that I'm sure won't be for everyone but I loved it.

The acting is superb and I really got into the character's heads which really helped, expecially because the lead is quite a dark character.

Great Cinematogtaphy and sound design add to its eerie atmosphere and tone. I would strongly reccomend you give this one a shot.

MOVIE: 3/5 PICTURE: 5/5 SOUND: 4/5 CAST: 5/5

"Lifechanger" could have been a good movie...but it is not. The theme of shape-shifter successfully used in the gem "The Hidden" (1987), or "Fallen" (1998), is poorly used in "Lifechanger". The screenplay is lame and never works, with an awful and unpleasant narrative in off and none character development that are presented in one-dimension. The unknown cast is acceptable for a low-budget film and they do their best with the terrible script. The locations are also selected in accordance with the budget supported by poor cinematography. The attempt to make an ambiguous conclusion in the gross style of David Cronemberg does not work. Better off watch "The Hidden" again, one of the best cult-movies of this genre. My vote is five.

Title (Brazil): 'Lifechanger"