The Seeding

I immediately see the influence of the classic Japanese New Wave film "Women In The Dunes" from 1964, by Hiroshi Teshigahara, based on a book by the Existentialist Novelist Kobo Abe. Teshigahara would go on to adapt a number of Abe's books to film. It is available for free viewing at Archive.org. Some of the scenes are a scene for scene copy (or homage).

The cinematography in "The Seeding" is outstanding, with great wide angle shots, and pans of landscapes. The first scene shows the man's car parking on a desert road cul-de-sac. The overhead shot resembles a sperm cell, with the road being the tail. A symbolic reference to the title and things to come. Ken Russell did a similar shot in the 1969 film "Women in Love", in which a (probably drunk) Oliver Reed dies while walking in snow.

With my expectations elevated for a fantastic sublime film, I was disappointed by the unimaginative screenplay and the real let down of a sloppy and apathetic conclusion.

I would recommend the movie for the filmmaking alone, but it is frustrating to think it could have been better with a rewrite.

The acting is well done, though I would have had the women have a stranger demeanor, considering she has not seen the outside world.

The plot leaves too many questions, and many simple questions are not even brought up by the Man. The writer didn't convey a plausible lead character. In the end, the project is essentially scrapped. The difficult issues are not brought into the screenplay which is disappointing.

As a "Horror" film it has some of the gore, but the film doesn't entirely embrace the genre. In the end the film simply misses the target. This due to the fact that the filmmakers were not sure of what they were aiming for in the first place.

A man (Scott Haze) ventures into the deep desert in order to view a solar eclipse. When he encounters what appears to be a lost boy, he tries to help him. Soon, the terror begins, changing the man's life forever.

THE SEEDING is an interesting take on the "creepy kid" subgenre. Mr. Haze is believable throughout in his tormented role, as is Kate Lyn Sheil as the mysterious woman at the center of the man's ordeal. The group of kids are frightening in a LORD OF THE FLIES / CHILDREN OF THE CORN sort of way.

This is a slow-building, somewhat disturbing film that saves most of its horror for the final act. You might find yourself muttering "WTF?" a few times as you watch it...

Conceptually I actually found this quite intriguing but unfortunately it didn't go much of anywhere. It almost felt like it was cosplaying as some cerebral art piece, an allegory for something bigger and seemingly profound... yet barely had much substance let alone a real payoff.

I definitely would've loved a bit more background and lore, generally pushing it away from that up in the air, confusing, slow burn vibe. Which it was most certainly slow moving... interestingly atmospheric at times for sure, but generally a tad belabored.

There was something about the lead male's acting that wasn't there for me either. The intention and drive behind it were apparent, but it didn't quite land on the side of convincing for me. I think there was something intriguing at the root of this experience but all in all it felt a bit undercooked. I don't think I would say it was an unentertaining experience by any means, it just didn't end up being super special. Still can't say it was bad so I would aloofly recommend.

I haven't see the trailer,so I didn't know what to expect. After the first 18 minutes you know exactly what is going to happen. Unfortunately I saw the whole movie expecting the plot twist. It didn't came. My vote would be higher if this was a part of a trilogy. It could be a second movie with a happy or unexpected end,and a third movie (with the original/indian language ) how everything starts. Acting was good,direction medium. I mean give us a shot from above the desert so we can feel how isolated they are. Most annoying was the script,I almost knew what will happen minute after minute. Even the title gives to much.

For what this movie is, I guess the overall film wasn't terrible. It wasn't good either. The main problem I had with it was that the main character wasn't likeable in the least bit. He spends his time on screen being loud and annoying. This is why I don't feel a bit bad for what happens to him. He probably treats everyone around him the way he treats the other characters in this film. The acting wasn't awful but it wasn't exactly great either. The soundtrack is weird but I suppose it fits the movie. If you like a meandering story with not much explanation and static shots of nature; you might actually enjoy this film. For me though, I just found it boring.