Judas Kiss

Judas Kiss is by no means your average story. It has some unexpected twists, dabbling in time travel, love triangles and redemption.

Zach Wells, a failed filmmaker, reluctantly covers for his much more successful friend by taking his place on the judging panel at their Alma Mater's annual film competition (a competition that Zach won years ago). As soon as he gets on campus... well, it's not hi-jinks ensue in a kooky way, but Zach starts to notice that things are not what they seem.

The time travel aspect was a cool way to approach the material; certainly a welcome change from the mainstay "let's do some lame flashbacks to explain how my life got so screwed up." The film has an interesting cast of characters that all bring something different to the table, too (a little heart and humor).

All of the technical elements (cinematography, lighting, sound, etc) were great, including the subtle effects work. I also thought they did a commendable job making a film with gay lead characters, but not dwelling on their sexual orientation. It was obvious that the focus of the film was on the story and I appreciated that.

It's extremely refreshing to see a film touted as an LGBT film where story and character are the focus. It's not a coming of age story, a coming out story, or a story where character sexuality takes the main stage. It is merely a story who's characters happen to be gay. And a decent story as well. I enjoyed watching the narrative boldly and apologetically unfold. It doesn't waste time trying to explain what strange phenomenon is going on, it just marches forward.

Technically, I found the cinematography very well done. The soundtrack is good. Fx subtle. Direction well done. The performances mixed, but overall I felt the main cast did very well. At times, I felt the pacing was a bit off, but that is just a personal opinion. I feel Judas Kiss is worth your time and I hope many get to experience it. Looking forward to the DVD release so I can experience it again!

I saw Judas Kiss at the Rhode Island International Film Festival in August, 2011. Aside from some technical issues on the festival's part, I really enjoyed this film and am looking forward to getting my copy. I can't help but believe that I will pick up on more symbolism each time I watch it! It was also great to see a piece Of work from Gay Cinema that could break the boundaries of the genre and work well in mainstream film festivals like RIIFF!

The characters were entertaining and thought provoking, and the writing made me snicker and laugh throughout while still keeping me enthralled during dramatic poignant moments. The cinematography was gorgeous, rich in color and well composed.

I'm not always a fan of magical realism, as many films don't do it justice, but Judas Kiss ranks up there with Across the Universe in my mind! Unlike the later, it was based more in reality (or perhaps alternate reality), which created a great escape without going too far outside of the boundaries as we think of them.

Great soundtrack as well!

This stunning film catches the audience's attention, and the message of the film has everyone contemplating their own lives well after the movie is over. A compelling, yet controversial, story-plot with a charismatic cast. An instant classic.

I have personally seen this film at two major film festivals around the nation. It was well worth seeing more than once because you understand more of the subtle messages the more times you watch it. I've also seen that the director has a series of short films available on DVD. I look forward to the DVD release of 'Judas Kiss' to share with other friends and fans. I'm anticipating sharing it on campus for other film students to watch.

Failed filmmaker Zachary Wells (Charlie David) returns to his alma mater to be a judge in a film competition. One of the competitors (Richard Harmon)shares his real name--Daniel Reyes--and has entered a film that carries the same name as the film Zach entered years ago! Then things get strange:)

This is one odd film. It mixes science fiction with drama, gay love (and sex) and redemption. It's hard to get a grip on at first (I considered turning it off more than once) but, if you stick with it, everything becomes clear at the end. It's well made and they use some interesting double images or lighting occasionally to push the sci-fi angle (but use it sparingly which is good). The acting varies. David is good and Sean Paul Lockhart (who once did gay porn as Brent Corrigan) is excellent. Harmon however is pretty bad and Tino Descamps (as Shane) is downright terrible. Still the story kept me watching. Also there's male nudity (back views only) and some passionate guy on guy kissing.

On one hand I do like it for its interesting plot and views. On the other hand it leaves too many questions unanswered at the end. So I can only give this a 5. Not terrible but it feels unfinished.