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TIFF Review: ‘Synchronic’ is Inventive, Heartfelt Sci-Fi at its Finest
Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead are a talented team of filmmakers who have yet to disappoint. They burst onto the scene with Resolution in 2012, followed by SpringĀ and fan-favorite The Endless. Their latest film, Synchronic, works on a grand scale to unpack themes of presence, family, and loss, set against the backdrop of a sci-fi thriller.
Starring Jamie Dornan (The Fall, 50 Shades of Grey) and Anthony Mackie (Captain America: Civil War), Synchronic follows a paramedic team in New Orleans who are called to a series of scenes with bizarre and violent deaths. At each site, they find a mysterious new synthetic designer drug with otherworldly effects that could ā somehow ā be responsible.
Anchored by a genuine and heartfelt performance by Mackie, Synchronic is an exploration of humanity projected through a cosmic lens. Mackie perfectly balances his role with humor and grace, continually breaking your heart with his sincerity. The brotherhood between Steve (Mackie) and Dennis (Dornan) ties the whole film together, circulating around all the heavily loaded conversations they actively avoid.
The film meditates on how we interact with each present moment; how do we treat our relationships with friends and family, and how do we use the gift of time that we have. As thrilling and engaging as Synchronic is, it’s incredibly heartfelt; it’s a broad story with a very centered focus.
Settingthe filmĀ in New Orleans allows us to explore locations that are rich in history. We venture into some underseen spaces ā like an abandoned Six Flags ā that add to the mystical energy of the film. As paramedics, Dennis and Steve often navigate dangerous situations that are enriched by the crumbling cityscape.Ā
The decision to cast our two main characters as paramedics is a wise one; they have just enough power to realize something is horribly wrong, but no authority to actually stop it. Theyāre thrust in the middle of this epic mystery, but thereās a degree of distance that keeps them from being officially responsible. Steve decides to act not because itās his duty, but because he genuinely doesnāt want to see anyone else get hurt. Throughout the film and in many ways, he works to save others from pain. Itās that sense of humanity that helps to tether the film to the real world when the story really takes off.Ā
This sense of realistic humanity is exemplified by the use of long takes, which Benson and Moorhead utilize to striking effect. One particular scene is beautifully and meticulously choreographed to carry the audience through the pressure of a paramedic’s call. The duo make full use of the budget they have, creating intensive scenes with expansive sets that allow the scope of the story to flex and grow
What starts as a horror mystery ā we don’t know what is causing these unexplainable deaths ā expands into a thrilling and boundless quest. The unknown potential of a designer drug opens up a whole world of narrative possibilities.
I don’t want to dig too deep into the plot, because I firmly believe that this is a film in which it’s best to go in as blind as possible. There’s a certain joy in the films of Benson and Moorhead that comes from the gradual discovery of the story; the journey leading to a mysterious destination. Just sit back and let the film take hold of you; Synchronic wonāt give you a bad trip.Ā Ā
For more on Justin Benson and Aaron Moorhead, you can read our interview on The Endless here.
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Watch ‘The Burning’ At The Location Where It Was Filmed
Fangoria is reporting that fans of the 1981 slasher The Burning will be able to have a screening of the film at the location where it was filmed. The movie is set at Camp Blackfoot which is actually the Stonehaven Nature Preserve in Ransomville, New York.
This ticketed event will take place on August 3. Guests will be able to take a tour of the grounds as well as enjoy some campfire snacks along with the screening of The Burning.
The film came out in the early ’80s when teen slashers were being churned out in magnum force. Thanks to Sean S. Cunningham’s Friday the 13th, filmmakers wanted to get in on the low-budget, high-profit movie market and a casket load of these types of films were produced, some better than others.
The Burning is one of the good ones, mostly because of the special effects from Tom Savini who had just come off of his groundbreaking work on Dawn of the Dead and Friday the 13th. He declined to do the sequel because of its illogical premise and instead signed on to do this movie. Also, a young Jason Alexander who would later go on to play George in Seinfeld is a featured player.
Because of its practical gore, The Burning had to be heavily edited before it received an R-rating. The MPAA was under the thumb of protest groups and political bigwigs to censor violent films at the time because slashers were just so graphic and detailed in their gore.
Tickets are $50, and if you want a special t-shirt, that will cost you another $25, You can get all the information by visiting the On Set Cinema webpage.
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Movies
‘Longlegs’ Creepy “Part 2” Teaser Appears on Instagram
Neon Films released an Insta-teaser for their horror film Longlegs today. Titled Dirty: Part 2, the clip only furthers the mystery of what we are in for when this movie is finally released on July 12.
The official logline is: FBI Agent Lee Harker is assigned to an unsolved serial killer case that takes unexpected turns, revealing evidence of the occult. Harker discovers a personal connection to the killer and must stop him before he strikes again.
Directed by former actor Oz Perkins who also gave us The Blackcoat’s Daughter and Gretel & Hansel, Longlegs is already creating buzz with its moody images and cryptic hints. The film is rated R for bloody violence, and disturbing images.
Longlegs stars Nicolas Cage, Maika Monroe, and Alicia Witt.
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Exclusive Sneak Peek: Eli Roth and Crypt TV’s VR Series ‘The Faceless Lady’ Episode Five
Eli Roth (Cabin Fever) and Crypt TV are knocking it out of the park with their new VR show, The Faceless Lady. For those unaware, this is the first fully scripted VR horror show on the market.
Even for masters of horror like Eli Roth and Crypt TV, this is a monumental undertaking. However, if I trust anyone to change the way that we experience horror, it would be these two legends.
Ripped from the pages of Irish folklore, The Faceless Lady tells the story of a tragic spirit cursed to wander the halls of her castle for all of eternity. However, when three young couples are invited to the castle for a series of games, their fates may soon change.
So far, the story has provided horror fans with a gripping game of life or death that doesn’t look as if it will slow down in episode five. Luckily, we have an exclusive clip that may be able to satiate your appetites until the new premiere.
Airing on 4/25 at 5pmPT/8pmET, episode five follows our final three contestants in this wicked game. As the stakes are raised ever higher, will Ella be able to fully awaken her connection with Lady Margaret?
The newest episode can be found on Meta Quest TV. If you haven’t already, follow this link to subscribe to the series. Make sure to check out the new clip below.
Eli Roth Presentās THE FACELESS LADY S1E5 Clip: THE DUEL – YouTube
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