Absolution Is Now Public

"Absolution is Now Public" is a different sort of short film. It's the story of a disturbed young man, played with skill and authenticity by James Morris. His character is obsessed with the internet and with his former psychologist, a woman whose young daughter died from a mix up in prescription medicines. His infatuation and depression lead him to a tragic confrontation with the girl's pharmacist, played by Richard Dutcher.

Although well produced, the film was too dark for my personal taste. The writer-director Michael Christensen calls attention to a legitimate societal dilemma where an individual's unbalanced mental problems are aggravated by sleep deprivation and prolonged web exposure, but his movie ends without any real glimpse of possible solution or redemption. This leaves the audience with an attitude of thoughtful reflection -which is good- but it's missing something that I believe is even more important to include in a film … hope.

But then, that's just me. It will probably be popular on the festival circuit where some folks worship "edgy-ness" and equate darkness with "intelligence" in filmmaking. Mainstream audiences might find "Absolution is Now Public" a bit hard to take, but the artsy crowd will love it.

Robert Starling

Where to begin? "Absolution Is Now Public" not only makes you think, but also makes you feel. Both of these are qualities that seem to be missing in most festival pieces these days. The film follows Jace (played flawlessly by James Morris) a disturbed individual who spends his days and nights obsessing over a woman he once knew. After a failed reunion, Jace decides it is time to take matters into his own hands and seek revenge on her behalf.

I was initially confused as the film began. A series of rambles from Jace at first makes you feel confused and uneasy, but as more about the character is revealed, everything he says begins to make sense.

Amazing acting, great visuals and superb directing! This really is a great piece of work. And while it is VERY dark, I feel that film festivals and anyone with half a brain will see it for the deep and memorable work that it is.

Absolution Is Now Public is simply amazing. I have worked as both a volunteer and organizer for numerous film festivals over the years, and I can honestly say that I have NEVER seen a film like this before. The emotion and darkness that the piece evokes is something that is rarely, if ever felt from a short film. All to often, those who attempt make a drama fall short due to cliché's and creative limitations, but not this film. James Morris (the lead) is MAGNIFICENT! I was left absolutely speechless by his performance. His beautiful depiction of the character nearly brought me to tears, and the incredible writing and directing only enhanced the entire experience.

I give this a WHOPPING 9 out of 10, and I encourage any and all independent filmmakers to watch it, because THIS is how its done!

It definitely gives you pause for thought. Social media has changed the world completely. This film has illustrated that because of social media, all of us have a sense of being connected and a need to belong.

Watching the main character's dissent into obsession and psychosis is chilling. He appears to be a loner, yet finds his validity and connection via the Internet- which is probably why he was recording most of what he does. In the real-world he is easily looked over. In the cyber-world, he feels he is somebody. Interesting how easy it is to gain validation online.

Anyway, that's the thought process this film provoked for me- I may be way off-base from what the filmmaker intended. I loved it none-the-less.

Brilliant performance, great writing and a overall amazing film. I really was moved by how deep and dark this project went. It not only makes you think about real issues happening today, but is so real that at times you honestly get lost in the moment. I only got to see this online, but I can imagine how good it would be on a big screen. Every aspect of the project was great. I have seen some of Richard Dutchers work before, and together with James Morris, they deliver knockout performances. Evie was also great, as she brought a much needed balance to the film and gave it some real heart. She is the one we can all relate to as the "normal" person.

Really a great film.