Worm

Worm is a striking achievement in independent cinema that showcases both raw creativity and technical prowess. Directed, written by, and starring Andrew Bowser, the film immediately grabs your attention with its single-take format-a feat that not only amplifies the tension but fully immerses you in the story. The camera's unbroken gaze pulls you straight into the small-town, morally gray world of Worm, a socially awkward man desperately seeking validation.

Bowser's portrayal of Worm is magnetic, with every awkward tic and nervous utterance bringing to life a character that's as endearing as he is unsettling. The supporting cast shines as well, with Drew Pollock as the overconfident Maverick and Rett Terrell as the elusive Miller, both giving performances that add depth and layers to the narrative. The seamless flow between actors in this continuous shot underscores their chemistry and commitment.

What makes Worm so engrossing is not just its stylistic ambition but the way it maintains an air of unpredictable tension. You're constantly on edge, not knowing if Worm's story will end in redemption or ruin. The film offers a gritty, unfiltered look into a troubled mind, capturing moments of dark humor, quiet despair, and bursts of frenetic energy. It's a film that keeps you riveted from start to finish, as you realize you're not just watching Worm's unraveling-you're living it with him.

For those who appreciate innovative storytelling, Worm is a must-watch, proving that with the right vision, independent cinema can deliver an experience as intense and captivating as any big-budget thriller.

Worm is an interesting movie. It's filmed entirely by a GoPro camera mounted facing the protagonist (Worm) played by Andrew Bowser, and he is pretty much the only character we will see with the exception of a few glimpses at some other characters in the background.

So, can a movie so restricted by its camera angle and low budged hold your attention for 90 minutes? I can, thanks to Andrew Bowser.

The story it tells feels sometimes rushed, specially towards the end, where some segments can get a little ridiculous. But it does not matter because that's not the greater strength of this movie.

This movie is filmed in (what seems like) a continuous 90 minute shot, and that whole story is unfolded during this time period. It lets Andrew Bowser shape and mold the charismatic protagonist "Worm" in real time, you see him go trough all variety of emotions seamlessly, with no cuts, so it feels all the more real. The story ends up being just an excuse to showcase the incredible array of acting skills Andrew has.

That's why I gave it a 7 and not more. Because with a little more work on the plot and secondary characters this could easily get an 8.

It is an average story with a very interesting artistic direction that has an exceptional actor carrying the whole thing. But I think that was the point, for Andrew to present himself and show off what he can do. And I hope he gets hired for something bigger and better after this.

And yes, it is worth watching, it'll keep you interested in "Worm's" story for its full length. Unlike other movies I've seen recently (James Bond "spectre" and The Martian come to mind). It is actually pretty fresh compared to what you would expect from a triple A movie studio.

Worm is a ne'er do well petty criminal who finds himself in quite a pickle as the unwitting scapegoat in a grisly double homicide. He gradually comes to realize that nobody close to him can be trusted, and that the life of his young daughter may be in urgent jeopardy.

Audaciously avant-garde low budget neo-noir filmed in two long takes, with the camera focused squarely on the face of the central character. It's a bold stylistic push, but the proceedings are so well supervised that it never feels like a contrived gimmick. The story, which plays out in real-time, is tense and engaging, and the characters, despite being largely unseen, are developed and well dramatized. Andrew Bowser is award worthy in a highly complex and demanding protagonist role, spinning his initially somewhat unappealing loser character into a relatable and valiant hero with a pitiable history.

WORM is far and away one of the gutsiest film experiments to come along in quite a while. Sure, it's flawed. Big deal...the Venus De Milo ain't got no arms. It might not appeal strongly to mainstreamers, but if your tastes run per-contra the dull polish of Hollywood, you won't want to miss it.

7/10.

This film is one with a gimmick. A big one. Shot entirely with a GoPro strapped to his chest, director/star Andrew Bowser pulls off an amazing feat with this film.

From what I've read it was shot in two 50 minute takes. The logistics of this film shoot must have taken Bowser, the other actors and producers a long, long time to figure out.

The story is of "Worm", a loser living in a small town in Oklahoma, who gets wrapped up in a tale of murder, deceit and betrayal after agreeing to do an odd job for a mysterious outsider in town for business. He has to navigate throughout the town, trying to avoid both the police and the people behind the crimes he is being accused of.

This all happens in 90 minutes of real time in which we watch Worm try to navigate throughout places and people all while we see every second of what he is doing from the front of his face. The decision to make the film this way makes you really pay attention to the acting of Bowser and realize that he is a very fine actor. The exclusion of most of the other actors besides a few glimpses behind Worm's back and their voices has you blind to most of the scenarios surrounding the actor, but also increasing your sympathy for him at the same time. It's like looking into someone's soul for an hour and a half and feeling what they are feeling, whether you want to or not.

I've seen most of Andrew Bowser's other work that he has done. Several full length movies, dozens of shorts that he has directed and this one seems the most personable to me. I really enjoyed it and look forward to his next feature film.

It's freely available on youtube in it's entirety so check it out.

You can hardly believe what this movie and its lead actor pull off logistically, and beyond that it is a great story with great acting. Part drama, part action thriller, there is no comic relief to this hard hitting tale of an underdog in a race for his life. Highly recommended.