Exile

Granted, this not a good movie in any way, but unlike bad movies, this one contains an interesting idea which, surprisingly, is worked out reasonably well.

The central theme is one that could be taken from Philip K. Dick, or for those more erudite in movies; Blade Runner(or Ex Machina). Dick has a fascination about what is real and what makes someone human or not. Therefore the most interesting character in this movie is Reyna. She is a non-linear android who is activated by Jason, the survivor of a crash who has been blinded. Non-linear means that she is able to think her own free thoughts, which she proceeds to do.

What next follows is hard to demonstrate without spoiling the fun. Reyna depends on Jason as much as Jason depends on her. And since he is blinded he can not see what she tells him she is seeing. While the story develops they seem to grow closer together, but we as the third party, get to see what Jason does not. The conflict starts to develop once it is clear that Reyna will cease to function when Jason dies or leaves, which makes efforts to defend him understandable, but at the same time makes you wonder how he will defend himself from her.

The movie makes a good attempt to develop this dual relationship and at first I was taken in by the apparent straightforwardness of Reyna. How the story finally pans out is for you to see, but I must say that up till the end it got me rooting for her.

The bad part of the movie is not so much that is clearly shows how low budget it is, but that given the choice the movie makers could not resist adding an alien monster for which they had no budget. The lesson to learn here is: if you lack the budget for a good monster, don't have one in your movie. Especially because it was totally superfluous to the movie and could have been easily substituted by something more mundane, as it actually was by having Jason chased by enemies from anther planet.

All in all a movie that is clearly low budget and rough around the edges, but has an interesting central story that certainly merits a remake with a better budget(and some better plot development). At time the movie has serious plot holes and at one time Jason runs out to wave at planes he can not see, but he can now. The script totally forgetting that he is blind. This movie is a bit like a cheap Ex Machinima version. One specific point to make here is that unlike Robots/Androids like say Data, Reyna never expresses the desire to become human. Which is refreshing.

Considering the budget, this is an amazing film. The Acting is decent, the story was novel and held a few surprises even for an old cinema curmudgeon like myself.

The effects were well above what I'd expected from a low budget indie film and were good enough to help greatly with the suspension of disbelief despite a few forgivable glitches here and there.

Pacing was excellent in this movie and the editing was top-notch, equaling Hollywood quality cuts, transitions and pacing. Mike Conway shows amazing talent in this regard!

The score was lush, varied and nicely-paced as well. Great to hear something of this quality in a film like this.

Exile is well worth a look if you like indie horror/sci-fi films. Pour yourself a cold one, grab a big bowl of popcorn and expect a fun ride!

EXILEart

A Mike Conway film. www.midnightsunent.com Truly a unique idea that seems to grab the attention. The aloneness of being blind on a foreign planet and then a savior abeit a cyborg one brings pathos to SyFy. The cast is basically new to most viewers,Except Tiffany Sinclair. The special effects are like fresh and the gore is plentiful to a nasty BIG monster. The locations are amazing and would be very expensive to reproduce in Hollywood. We saw glimpses of Enemy Mine,Terminator and Aliens; Coincidence perhaps…But imagine reproducing any of there moments on SOV budget ? When you hear that its a CGI movie,People get twitchy with over computering and tweaking,On EXILE there is just enough for whatever reason. The natural chemistry between leads( blind pilot and android ) carries the movie through to plots that surprise and give it a a "A-HA" moment when the invaders are slaughtered. Wonder if he will ever get his sight back ? Stand Trial ?

EXILE isn't a big budget summer movie, neither a small Hollywood straight-to-DVD movie. It's low budget film that was written, scored, edited, produced, (along with his wife) and directed by Mike Conway.

15 or 20 years ago, it be impossible make this type of movie on a independence budget from your own back pockets. But with digital effects programs and HD cameras more open on the shopping market. Then, it's is possible. The film crew are made up of friends and family. The film set in his backyard. Yes, you'll see the lack of budget in the movie. But it's the story, the characters, and the acting that really help carry the film to be enjoyable to watch.

A lone survivor of a space shuttle hijacking, blinded in a terrible crash on a hostile plant. His only hope is a strange habitat and a mysterious female android. Written in a way that pay tribute to THE OUTER LIMITS storytelling. It have everything you look for in that style. Action. Horror, Suspense. Drama. And Romance.

Brian Sheridan and Heather Lei Guzzetta did a fantastic job in their roll of Jason and Reyna. Their portray really help carry the movie along, having you feel there a deep bond building between them in very scene, So if you looking for a big action sci-if movie, wait until TRANFORMERS 2 coming out on DVD and BLU-RAY. But if your a fan of THE OUTER LIMITS may it be the 60's or 90's version, then this movie is for you.

If you've seen the trailer, you know exactly what you're getting. It ain't District 9, but it is an excellent flick for its audience. It's better than lots of stuff on SyFy or basic cable for that matter.

I've followed Mike Conways career for a while. I admire his dedication and perseverance. The guy makes movies. He does what it takes. If that means waiting tables, refinancing his house, taking music lessons, or learning a new program he'll do it. It's the kind of dedication that is severely lacking in the indie film world. Most indie filmmakers I meet, expect the studio deal to be handed to them. Mike has built his own studio and I admire that.

Exile is a fun watch. The story is solid and doesn't go in the expected direction. The score is fantastic. The efx are way above par for an un-studio flick. It's an enjoyable quick watch. Grab the popcorn, turn down the lights and enjoy.