'One Night in Tokyo' Review: Finding Love in a Hopeless Place
Being on the receiving end of a break-up is never easy, but it truly stings after flying halfway across the world only to get dumped as soon as you arrive. This nightmare scenario is the catalyst for an unforgettable adventure in filmmaker Joshua Woodcock's One Night in Tokyo. Winner of "Best Feature Drama" at the 2024 Cinequest Film Festival, One Night in Tokyo is an expansive and lively story of personal discovery amidst heartache and betrayal.
Finding Love in a Hopeless Place
The film follows Sam (Reza Emamiyeh), an Iranian-American man who anticipates spending his birthday week with his long-distance girlfriend, Becca (Cailee Oliver). Traveling to Tokyo with a thoughtfully detailed itinerary (and a whole lot of anticipation), Sam is devastated when his girlfriend proposes they break up. His world is turned upside down at Becca's suggestion that they spend time apart, despite traveling across the world to visit her. As this reality sinks in, Sam painstakingly re-books a flight to leave for the following morning, giving him less than 24 hours to make the most of his one night in Tokyo.
Sam calls his friend, who is busy but connects Sam to his girlfriend, Ayaka (Tokiko Kitagawa), who can show him around the city. Sam and Ayaka don't hit it off right away, mainly due to the language barrier. One major hurdle: Sam doesn't understand Japanese, and Ayaka speaks limited English. Their struggle to communicate is difficult to navigate at first, but a simple translation app soon fixes the problem. However, nothing could prepare them for the traumatic experience they will soon encounter. Instead of breaking their spirits, Sam and Ayaka form a bond that brings them even closer together.
Two Strangers Left Questioning the Meaning of Life and Love
Woodcock's romantic drama takes the viewer on a trip throughout the magical streets of Tokyo at night. We witness Sam and Ayaka share and experience each other's cultural traditions. Woodcock beautifully conceptualizes these relationship complexities through bold visual storytelling, including the cinematography and score. The ebb and flow of emotional turmoil and dry humor make for a winning combination. The film relies on time blocks to break up the story, with the passing hours acting as chapters. This element enhances the countdown effect as well as adds a sense of urgency to their situation.
Takeaway
Woodcock describes the film as "John Hughes making a French New Wave film in Japan," which is pretty spot on. If you're a fan of Celine Song's Past Lives or Yasujirō Ozu's Tokyo Story, you'll love One Night in Tokyo.
'About Pie' Review: The Importance of Finding Peace in Fleeting Relationships
Multi-hyphenate creative Joshua M. Lester delivers a delightful rom-com in his debut feature, About Pie. Set in Los Angeles, About Pie is an equally sweet and charming comedy about dating in your twenties. Lester not only displays an adept sense of control behind the camera but also in front of it, starring as the film's protagonist. Whether or not you've navigated the depths of dating apps or encountered an awkward first date, About Pie aims to make you laugh with just the right amount of sweetness.
Dating in Los Angeles, One Slice of Pie at a Time
Our protagonist (Lester), referred to only as "The Pie Guy," is a quirky, hopelessly romantic who believes the key to a perfect first date is as simple as pie... quite literally. His friends poke fun at the unusual date go-to, but that doesn't deter him from his routine. He is convinced that every first date should involve good conversation and a sweet piece of the delicious comfort food. Our pie connoisseur puts his first date theory to the test as he meets, and eats, with single women all over Los Angeles. The more he gets to know the women he dates, the more he begins to understand himself. Modern dating can be difficult, but he soon learns that the journey is just as important as the end goal.
The Importance of Finding Peace in Fleeting Relationships
This coming-of-age rom-com does a savory job balancing the comedy with authentic moments of enlightenment. The main takeaway conveyed here is that filmmaker Joshua M. Lester reminds us to appreciate the moment and not to dwell on anticipating the future. Lester's character enjoys a handful of first dates that won't necessarily make it to long-term relationships. And that's ok! The small relationships we make with people along our journey can be just as important as the lifelong ones. Positive impact doesn't have to equate to longevity.
Takeaway
Joshua M. Lester brings a unique perspective to the dating world in his debut indie feature. Don't be surprised if you're left with a sweet treat craving after watching. Distributed by Gravitas Ventures, About Pie is available to stream for free on Tubi and Prime Video.
'The Return to Why' Review: A Poetic, Lo-Fi Journey Through Grief
Filmmaker William Phelps makes a stunning directorial debut with his arthouse-leaning short film, The Return to Why. Shot in a gritty black and white aesthetic that emulates 16mm film, the result is a lo-fi and spirited short. Combining Phelps' unique vision with a slow-burn approach, The Return to Why is a film that both feels entirely fresh and reminiscent of Jim Jarmusch's NYC-set Stranger Than Paradise.
Moving Through Grief in Impressive One-Takes
Lyria (Cascina Caradonna) is a non-binary young adult who finds themselves at a crossroads. Plagued with internal grief and longing for connection, Lyria makes a pilgrimage back to their hometown in an attempt to recenter and find peace. Lyria is still dealing with the aftermath of the unexpected death of their younger sister, Iris (Stella Marcus). Even though returning home is difficult, Lyria knows this is the only way to move through the grief and trauma to get to the other side.
While back home, Lyria reconnects with their ex, Casey (Yessenia Rivas), and the two engage in an intense and intimate conversation. The film incorporates many flashbacks during these scenes, filled with heavy dialogue, adding a layered, non-linear element that is quite effective. Soft piano ballads round out the experience, which consists of an impressive one-take shot. To successfully pull off this production hurdle, there is a high demand for a perfect performance from the lead actor. Impressively, each of them delivers, especially Cascina Caradonna, whose on-screen style and performance is mesmerizing.
Takeaway
The Return to Why is the embodiment of a true independent film. With an estimated production budget of only $5,000 and a very sporadic shooting schedule (twice a month over a year), William Phelps has pulled off nothing short of a miracle. This is also a deeply personal project for Phelps, who openly discusses exploring his own PTSD diagnosis through film. He credits the following Nietzsche quote as inspiration for his debut short film: “Throw roses into the abyss and say, ‘Here is my thanks to the monster who didn’t succeed in swallowing me alive.'"
'Gold Hearts of Hot Rod County' Review: A Fresh Take on Classic Rebellion
Filmmaker David Kobzantsev captures a feeling of free-spirited nostalgia in his directorial debut, Gold Hearts of Hot Rod County. A coming-of-age story inspired by the cinema of the 80s and 90s–think Dirty Dancing and Footloose–this award-winning short evokes a familiar yet refreshing sense of storytelling. Even more impressive is first-time writer/director David Kobzantsev winning "Best Director" at this year's Stockholm City Film Festival.
Unbound Feelings, Identity, and Youthful Defiance
Gold Hearts of Hot Rod County takes place in a small farm town in the heartland of Americana. For Callie (Shayla Stensby) and her dad (Travis Joe Dixon), the farm is their livelihood. Together, they tend to the fields using their tractors, which Callie is adept at navigating. One morning, she unexpectedly comes face-to-face with Zack (Noah Fearnley), a dangerously irresistible, hot rod-driving bad boy who has seemingly been a familiar figure in her past.
The two later reconnect at a mutual friend's birthday party, where they share a dance. Sparks fly, but Callie knows better than to blindly trust her feelings. Her intuition tells her not to trust Zack's intentions. The following day, both Callie and Zack meet again. This time, it's on the road for a tractor vs hot rod showdown.
Driven by Music
Gold Hearts of Hot Rod County tells a simple story with an acutely dialed-in production. The performances from lead actors Shayla Stensby and Noah Fearnley bring necessary authenticity and electricity, especially during the dance floor scene. The film is powerfully driven (pun intended) by music, both instrumental compositions and vocal arrangements.
Takeaway
Says Kobzantsev, "The film is also designed to feel like a summer blockbuster distilled into a short form — a compact yet explosive experience that combines the heart-pounding excitement of a big race scene with the tender complexity of a small-town coming-of-age story... Above all, Gold Hearts is a love letter to rebellious juvenile love — to those moments when you decide to push back against the life you’ve been given and chase something bigger, faster, more outstanding than what you can imagine. It’s a story about identity, and the beautiful chaos that comes with growing up in a world that feels at once confining and ultimately, full of possibility."
'Flesh of the Unforgiven' Review: A Madcap Descend Into Darkness
Filmmaker Joe Hollow descends into darkness in the independent psychological horror flick Flesh of the Unforgiven. For adults' eyes only, this provocative gothic tale tells the story of a struggling couple tormented by a nightmarish inflictor of panic and pain. Flesh of the Unforgiven may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's evident that it is quite the fan favorite among the horror crowd. As of today, the film has received 31 wins and 5 nominations at various global film festivals, including "Best Feature" at the Diabolical Horror Film Festival.
You Can't Escape Death
Jack (Joe Hollow) and Sienna Russo (Debbie Rochon) are in need of a fresh start. Jack is an author with writer's block and a looming deadline. He hopes that a quick trip to a remote cabin can bring him the inspiration he needs. His wife, Sienna, is there to support him both with his writing career and their personal life outside of it. It's also revealed that Sienna had an affair with Jack's best friend, and he is struggling to forgive her betrayal. As the couple settles into desolate cabin life, Jack receives a mysterious VHS tape delivery, with an accompanying note that says "Inspiration". Curious, he plays the tape, and what he discovers is a morbid web of psychological terror.
The crux of the film centers around the mysterious "Death Dealer", a figure that exists between life and death. The Death Dealer uses his legion of demons to guide souls to him. He then offers his victims a new chance at life, but only if they face their fears. Eventually, both Jack and Sienna become intimately acquainted with the Death Dealer, much to their horror and terror.
Leaning Into the NSFW Elements
It should be noted that Flesh of the Unforgiven is not a family-friendly film. The opening scene features nudity, gore, and other NSFW elements. At times, it borders on smutty softcore adult content. While it can be argued that this is a necessary storytelling device to portray the bleak environment of this "living hell," at times it does feel a bit too exaggerated. On the contrary, the VFX work is highly impressive, transforming the characters into the darkest, most graphic versions of themselves.
Takeaway
Led by enthusiastic performances from Debbie Rochon and writer/director/co-star Joe Hollow, Flesh of the Unforgiven is a great example of what a low-budget indie horror film can achieve.
'Snorkeling' Review: An Intoxicating Look at Young Love
Acclaimed music video director Emil Nava expands on his stylistic tendencies in his debut feature, Snorkeling. A coming-of-age drama with an edgy and experimental tone, Snorkeling is a fresh take on navigating the haziness of young love and self-discovery. Fans of Euphoria will find a comforting similarity in Snorkeling's handling of drug and social dynamics among the Gen Z demographic.
This is a Love Story
Teenagers Michael (Daniel Zolghadri) and Jameson (Kristine Froseth) are in the throes of a blossoming relationship when they decide to experiment with a risky street drug. The hallucinogenic, called “Snorkeling,” gives the user a momentary sense of escape and relief. Placing the oxygen mask over your nose and mouth and inhaling the powerful fumes creates a fearless, out-of-body fantasy. The sensation is seductive, especially to the high school crowd Michael and Jameson associate with. But soon enough, they discover that the consequences of experimenting with this drug cannot be ignored.
Part Coming-of-Age, Part Psychological Trip
Snorkeling is the result of no-holds-barred self-expression for Emil Nava, who channels his experiences of healing and sobriety into the making of the film. He also leans heavily on his background as an award-winning music video director for artists like Rihanna and Dua Lipa, creating a unique and immersive viewing experience. Visually, the film pops with color and sporadic animation moments, especially during the more psychologically trippy moments. Overall, Snorkeling feels like a compilation of moments stitched together, rather than the traditional format of scenes assembled in an editing room.
Takeaway
Cinematically powerful and musically driven, Snorkeling explores adolescent vulnerability with style, substance, and finesse. Now available to watch on Apple TV, Google Play, and most major digital platforms.
'Safe Space' Review: Art Imitates Life in This Reality-Bending Drama
A celebratory weekend with friends turns into an epic meltdown in Stefan Kubicki's indie film Safe Space. Taking place primarily inside the walls of an escape room, Safe Space captures the tension, egos, and shifting dynamics within a core friend group. Art may imitate life in some aspects of Kubicki's reality-bending drama, which will have you on the edge of your seat until the very last frame.
Deserted in the Desert
A group of friends–three couples and their token single buddy–reunite for a fun-filled weekend in the California desert. The men in the group have been friends since film school, and their bond runs deep. Their significant others have become friends as well, which makes this getaway weekend full of anticipatory excitement. After spending a few hours reuniting and indulging in a little magic mushroom chocolate, Shayar (Nardeep Khurmi) shares his plans to spice up the night. He convinces everyone to join him in an isolated escape room led by a mysterious Ukrainian performance artist.
The group arrives at the escape room at midnight and is greeted by Popov (Konstantin Lavysh), their hauntingly theatrical host. It all feels a bit silly at first; however, their night's carefree vibe slowly starts to turn more sinister. For starters, the group gets separated immediately, causing confusion and low-grade panic. Cracks in the foundation of certain friendships start to surface, leading to anger, jealousy, and betrayal. Trapped in a room with no clear exit, the reality they thought they knew is thrown into question. Each room gets more surreal and fantasy-like, with these effects pushing everyone to their breaking point.
Veteran Actors and Non-Actors Come Together to Create This Reality/Fantasy Hybrid
Safe Space is more than just a 90-minute entertainment piece. It's a genre-bending observational statement on the creative process of art. Both on screen and in Kubicki's script, there is a gravitational push and pull between art's pretentiousness and authenticity. This tension bleeds onto the screen in interesting ways. Notably, the film's structure mirrors the psychology of escapism. The fantastic ensemble cast, notably Annie Hamilton (the internet's favorite it-girl) and Konstantin Lavysh, brings this meta-awareness to life. Rounding out the rest of the cast are Annie Monroe, Stefan David Henry Gerson, Marta Ojrzyńska, Travis Myers, Nardeep Khurmi, and Josema Roig. Interestingly, director Stefan Kubicki also casts real people to play themselves alongside professional actors.
Takeaway
Safe Space defies expectations as a low-budget indie film. It delivers its foreboding message of darkly creative anxiety through easily digestible genre tropes, but with a twist. Not only is it a fun watch, but it'll scratch your brain at the same time. Available to watch now on Prime Video.
'Eternal Code' Review: The Fight for the Fountain of Youth
The fight for immortality descends into mayhem and murder in filmmaker Harley Wallen's 2019 crime thriller Eternal Code. Six years after its release, the independent film still carries the same sense of urgency and impact today. This is especially true considering the current state of AI advancements that can foster divisiveness and capitalist greed. Through brutal action scenes and thought-provoking dialogue, Eternal Code begs the rhetorical question: Would you kill to live forever?
The Best Invention in the Wrong Hands Can Turn Into a Weapon
Bridget Pellegrini (Erika Hoveland) is the CEO of a genetic research company at the forefront of a huge breakthrough. Her team is celebrating the successful creation of a miracle device, Eternal Life Technology, which can transfer one's mind to a new body. Aiming to extend the lifespan of the elite, this device will send stock prices soaring and put this company far ahead of any competition. However, when Bridget is approached to merge her company with another organization run by Oliver (Richard Tyson), she refuses. Not only is she hesitant about her device's questionable moral and ethical codes, but she doesn't appreciate Oliver's intimidation tactics. Her refusal proves to be her downfall.
Not long after, she and her husband (Billy Wirth) are kidnapped by a masked group of strangers working on Oliver's behalf. Luckily, Bridget's teenage daughter Miranda (Angelina Danielle Cama) escapes the kidnapping unharmed. Desperate to save her parents, she leans on her new friend Corey (Damien Chinappi), a homeless man and former army veteran.
A Staggering Second Act Brings It All Together
The first act of Eternal Code has two main storylines running in tandem. The first is Bridget's refusal to merge with Oliver and the repercussions of that decision. The second focuses on Corey's background as a homeless veteran and his generosity toward everyone he surrounds himself with. For a while, it's unclear how these two arcs will come together cohesively, but writer-director Harley Wallen does so in a staggering second act, which energetically ties the whole film together. Eternal Code features solid performances from its main cast, including Erika Hoveland, Damien Chinappi, and Angelina Danielle Cama. While it may not be blockbuster-level action, Eternal Code is quite impressive for an indie film with a limited production budget.
Takeaway
The quest for the Fountain of Youth is a never-ending journey. In Eternal Code, Harley Wallen shows just how far some people are willing to go to live forever.