Erzulie

A unique and fun movie done in an untraditional way. It stand outs out from other films like it, and feels like it has its own voice.

The Leila Scott Annastasia Scott sells her mermaid performance very well. She brings a mystical element to it that's difficult to pull off.

Furthermore, The rest of the cast also delivers.

The camera work makes the movie feel so much bigger than what the filmmakers made it for. Clever use of space, landscape and movement.

I'd recommend this film to all movie lovers, especially if you're a fan of the Hatchet films. Good acting, good sets, good camera work, good movie.

For an indie film, the cinematography, writing, acting, etc. Are done quite well in Erzulie. I'm a man and typically prefer masculine protagonists, but I found this journey of young women fun and appropriate for the story. I don't want to give away too much more, because I believe Erzulie should be experienced minute-by-minute as a film. So go give it a chance! On a final note, Christine Chen is clearly a solid filmmaker, and I'm looking forward to seeing what she does next.

"Erzulie," directed by Christine Chen, takes viewers on a captivating and thought-provoking cinematic journey. With its artistic vision and compelling storytelling, the film manages to engage audiences, despite a few minor flaws.

Chen's directorial choices in "Erzulie" showcase attention to detail, creating visually striking scenes that enhance the overall experience. The blending of reality and fantasy in the narrative raises intresting thematic questions, although some plot elements could have been further developed.

The cast delivers commendable performances, adding depth and authenticity to their characters. While some performances could have been more nuanced, the ensemble work solidly contributes to the film's impact -- the women in the film have chemistry and it shows up on-screen.

"Erzulie" is a commendable effort that invites contemplation. Chen's directorial choices, combined with solid performances and an intriguing narrative, make the film worth watching.

Full disclosure, I provided DCP services to the film, so did see the film in a full theatrical screening. However, I'm not affiliated with the film production and my review is my honest take.

As I work on a lot of indie film, Erzulie stands out of from the crowd with a creative, cool take on the mermaid myth. It takes the basic monster in the wild story and gives it an authentic and female-centric approach that is both engaging to watch and nice meta commentary on how this myth has played out in other films.

The strengths of the film are the quality cast, both leads and supporting characters, the nice design of the mermaid and the quality direction that moves the story along, builds the characters and maintains tension.

The technical quality exceeds the budget range and it's devoid of the often found failings of low-budget films: cinematography, edit, sound, music and color are all well executed and don't distract from watching. While I would not call one of the best films ever made, it's better than almost films in this budget range and better than a lot of big budget flicks.

If you like female-centric films with a fresh twist on a classic film genre, it's a solid choice.

For a low-budget, independent film, "Erzulie" impressively balances storytelling creativity and resourcefulness, showcasing that cinematic magic can thrive even without a hefty budget. One standout element for me was the meticulously life-like mermaid costume, which adds authenticity to the character. "Erzulie" takes viewers on an offbeat adventure that, while not a cinematic masterpiece, manages to entertain with its unique twist on mermaid mythology. The story introduces us to an unconventional mermaid guardian, dedicated to safeguarding women and children who takes residence in a secluded swamp. It spins a chilling narrative of sisterhood within the context of a suspenseful film, all against the captivating backdrop of the swamp during a girls weekend getaway.

In summary, "Erzulie" is not your typical mermaid movie, but it does offer an enjoyable and quirky take on mermaids, making it worth a watch for those seeking a different spin on this mythical theme.