Next Door to the Velinsky's

Love love LOVED this movie. Just a beautiful and touching story. While it has been advertised as a psychological thriller - ( and it is that to a certain extent) but it is also a really touching love story and the story of an abuse victim finding herself again. While I utterly disliked the Ruby character at first I found that she does "grow" on you.This could also be Traicos' performance which is incredibly moving. Matt Doran who plays the male lead is fantastic in the role. And while at first I wanted to kill Ruby by half way through the movie I wanted everything to work out which ( And don't read this if you don't want it to be spoiled) but fortunately it does. But it does this realistically not in a silly Holllywood Happy Ending type of way. Am trying to see if its out on DVD yet but doesn't seem to be. Think I might add to my collection. Great movie. Highly recommend

Small scale Australian drama concerning telemarketer Ruby (co-writer Traicos) abused as a child being shown how to confront her past by former childhood friend James (Doran). Ultra low budget psychological drama is more like a telemovie in scale and production values, but displays plenty of emotional depth as the pair rekindle their affection amid Ruby's ongoing struggle to reconcile her torrid past.

James has his own demons with which to contend, and when she's not lost in a fantasy world talking to invisible friends, Ruby is ruffling feathers at the local business where a kindly Korean businessman has taken her under his wing (much to the chagrin of his niece who views her colleague's behaviour as detrimental to business growth).

Lack of lighting and shadowy cinematography is sometimes an unwelcome distraction and the makeup applied to Traicos is unusual, but technical issues aside, the story is coherent with a watchable, offbeat performance from Traicos.

This is an example of one of those movies with no celebrities in it that is so good you just can't stop watching it. The best performance is most definitely Rudi Yap who plays the sympathetic Korean boss. Matt Doran is also excellent and Chloe Traicos is quite luminescent in the role of the disturbed Ruby. Traicos has a rare exotic beauty that comes across brilliantly on film and her performance is gut wrenchingly real. As is Doran's. Haven't seen either of these in much but I expect we'll be seeing more of both of them soon. On the whole its an all round great film. The film is shot in Australia although it really could be set anywhere. I think its something everyone will enjoy - although enjoy isn't quite the right word for it…… given the subject matter is somewhat disturbing. But a great movie: Great directing, script and performances all round.

I saw this movie in Australia and was really impressed. The movie was polished and professional, albeit made on a shoestring budget. The producer Chloe Traicos was also the writer and the main lead actor and as such is a very talented person. Its great to see a strong successful female!! The movie touches on sensitive issues and was handled well, in a not too heavy manner, with comedic moments as well. Possibly if the movie brings up issues that some audience members find confronting they could be directed somewhere for follow up. Its not a scary thriller but a thinking person's movie with twists throughout. The cast was strong,script interesting and it kept me involved right to the end. Ruby Taylor, the main character, works as a sales rep in a company and seems to be getting undeserved preferential treatment. Gradually during the course of the movie, the audience finds out the reason why and everything becomes clear with Ah Ha!! All in all an excellent movie from a great up and coming talent.

This movie Should go far.,,,,, For a little independent its pretty good. Anyone who has had to deal with a history of abuse will find this film incredibly accurate in the way its characters develop. It's also incredibly disturbing in the secrets that are uncovered and by the end you're sitting there reeling - Whoa was that real? But its a good movie. A solid good movie. Chloe Traicos is stunning in the role of the disturbed drunken Ruby. And Matt Doran is brilliant as James her savior. The film might be confusing at first with the massive jump from children playing to sexy pole dancers in a club but .... hang in there. It all makes sense. Although its one of those movies you do need to watch again as the little twists are so clever you'll need to go back to see what you missed the first time. Strongly recommend.