Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Falling Together’.
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It is definitely safe to say, that we are living in some very frustrating times right now. After all, nothing seems to be going right around the globe, mainly because the planet is deeply divided. For war rages over ideology and vendetta and political battles are playing out everywhere and that fury has spilled over into everyday life as well. Since these days so many people have negative things to say, and they are digging in politically as well, and to top it all off, it just feels as though flashing a smile at someone on the street or saying hello, will be met with utter disdain and potentially fury.

Which does beg some serious questions. Such as, what is the real cause of this jaded nature of the world right now? And how on earth do we get away from it? Because it would be nice to lower the temperature and return to a daily life where we don’t have to walk on eggshells and worry through and through. Well, it’s enough of a concern that creatives are starting to ponder upon the answers, because more often than not… storytelling is always a great place to explore such matters and find some actual answers. And it just so happens… that Hallmark opted to offer up a story last night, that does indeed ponder upon how best to answer those questions. 

A feat that Falling Together accomplishes by introducing us to Natalie Calder. A happy, go lucky individual that is about to make a big change to her life. In that, she’s accepted a new job at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh and is heading there to start a new chapter. Because she’s never lived anywhere else, nor has she taken a chance in this manner and well… at first… her decision to take this gig seems to be a poor one. Simply because her new apartment building is filled to the brim with sour neighbors who don’t speak, and harbors a super named Mark Wallace, that could care less about anything but his job. Which is the opposite of what she is used to, since her prior home was unified. Which prompts Natalie to step in, and try and make life better in her building, to bring a little joy and a little unity to a sour world.

Which is the perfect way to explore how best to answer those two questions. For Natalie’s push to make life better in her building and bring people together uncovers some fascinating things about where we are as a world right now. For starters, her journey informs us and her, that the world is a bit of a traumatized place at the moment and there’s merit to that. Because we just went through some stunningly tough times via the pandemic and through other world events, and trauma can push people to be reserved, to be untrusting of others and that makes for a poignant answer to an important question. One that sets up how we change course on such matters and bring back a measure of kindness.
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Which the show theorizes, starts with us, and stars with the little things. Such as showing kindness to strangers or taking the time to listen one another and our troubles so that we all feel as though we matter, that our struggles matter. Not to mention, this story informs us that we also need to just preach unity, and an end to the anger that we see. So, that everyone understands that this isn’t who we are and not what we are about. Which is perhaps a bit of a saccharine message that some will roll their eyes at, but… the movie’s not wrong. After all, a little bit of kindness and an open ear, do wonders, and this story does task us with quite the question… are we doing either of those things enough?

All of which gives rise to a fascinating Hallmark film, one that offers an uplifting journey and a grad examination of a topic that quite frankly, we do need to face right now. Because the temperature is high in the USA and around the world and we can be the ones to bring it down, and that makes for a delightfully heartwarming and satisfying feature. One that truly is thoughtful and lovely and does show us the way when it comes to our biggest concerns about the world right now. And truly… one cannot go wrong with a film that makes a positive message its priority and takes the time to remind us that a simple kind act a day, could make quite the difference in a chaotic world.

One particular aspect of storytelling that the Transformers franchise outright excels at, is worldbuilding. Simply because over the course of its illustrious run on film and television, we’ve been treated to incredible stories that flesh out this universe. Wherein we’ve been able to travel to stunning locales and meet amazing new Transformers and learn their stories. Which has made for an enriching experience that truly captivates the imagination and leaves us eager for more. But while that has made for quite the enjoyable ride through the galaxy, it has also… done the franchise a great disservice.

Mainly because, it hasn’t allowed for the franchise to dive deep into its own mythos. For we know little of Cybertron before the Cybertronian Wars, and of course… we know little of how our heroes and our villains chose their respective side. We just know that Optimus Prime is the leader of the Autobots and will do what he must to stop Megatron and the Decepticons. But somewhere along the line, someone noticed this gap in the story and opted to speak up, allowing for at long last… a Transformers story to come to life that looks at how good and evil came to be in this universe in Transformers One.

A feat that this film accomplishes by transporting us to Cyberton, long before sides were formed to introduce us to a pair of hard-working Transformers that are eager for more in life. For Orion Pax and D-16 are best friends, that aren’t happy with just being everyday Energon miners, they want to do something worthwhile and be seen and contribute to a world of that is outright struggling. For Energon, the power source for their species, is in short supply and life is hard for all after a brutal battle, with a brutal enemy. But an impromptu decision to be seen, puts them on an incredible path that will indeed change their lives forever. One that will force them to choose opposing sides courtesy of a shattering truth that has been hidden for far too long. 

All of which brings forth, an amazing exploration of the mythos and the world that gave life to this franchise in the first place. Wherein we are privy to incredible lessons about the planet’s history, its troubles and more importantly, we learn how the past shaped the future and gave life to Optimus Prime and Megatron, and their two factions, and that leads… to a powerfully tragic tale. One that is steeped in lessons about interpersonal relationships and how hard it is to understand, at any age, that not all of our friends will be our friends forever. Some will come, some will go, and some will indeed become enemies because of differences in ideological beliefs, because we grow apart or because we simply were in each other’s lives for a specific reason in a specific moment. Which is a lovely lesson to find here, one that adds newfound depth to the franchise for certain.
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But while the origin story of the two biggest names and factions in the franchise makes it seem as though this is a vastly different kind of Transformers movie, make no mistake about it… the stuff we love is present here as well. For there is a grand sense of adventure present in this feature, courtesy of the fact that we get to explore Cybertron like never before, and there is plenty of high-stakes action for the hardcore fan as well. In fact, the action sequences are so well thought out and so well executed that you simply cannot take your eyes off the screen, and the wonder of this film doesn’t end with the fact that it is filled to the brim with action and adventure and plenty for us to chew upon when it comes to interpersonal relationships.

For it is also, lighthearted when it needs to be. For there are jokes that break the tension perfectly, and it also features… some stellar voice acting. Thanks in large part to the fact that this film netted some huge names to play some iconic characters, and they really do incredible work here. With Chris Hemsworth and Brian Tyree Henry leading the charge as Orion Pax and D-16, and they supported by such talents as Scarlett Johansson (Elita-1), Keegan-Michael Key (B-127), and you’ll even hear the talents of Steve Buscemi, Laurence Fishburne and John Hamm in roles we won’t reveal here. Because you need to experience the brilliance of this amazing film, firsthand, and the good news is you don’t have to wait much longer to do so. For Transformers One hits theaters this Friday, and we here at NTG hope you give it a look, for this really is a magnificent entry in this storied franchise.

Something that is genuinely interesting about our modern world, is how much we have come to cherish vacations and adventures. Which isn’t a bad thing by any means, simply because such a shift speaks to the needs of the worker, who for a long time now, has suffered under the weight of corporate interests by being overworked and underpaid. So, a booming vacation business is indeed a beautiful thing. In fact, it’s grown so much in the past decade or so, that in many ways, you’re almost an outlier in life now if you haven’t bought a vacation package to Mexico or jumped on a cruise, especially since cruises have become so incredibly affordable, and attractive, and popular.
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After all, they not only offer incredible rates, but they harbor on board parties and other entertainment, and they also happen to be host to mountains of food that you can enjoy around the clock, with a good old-fashioned tropical drink. Not to mention, they will drop you off in exotic locales and allow for you to experience the wonder of your destination, before you return to your cabin and sail away to the next city. Which is something that should be extremely joyous for the city in which a cruise ship docks, since a three-hour stay should kick up some dough for the local economy. Or does it? Because let’s be honest, we’ve been so obsessed with vacations and self-care that as a culture we haven’t really pondered upon whether or not our escape benefits the places we go.

Well, with the popularity of cruises at an all-time high, it should come as no surprise that someone decided to explore that very question, and it just so happens that PBS is now home to a new documentary that explores such matters in Cruise Boom. Which was filmed in the small Alaskan town of Sitka, shortly after it was decided by a private citizen/private financier that their dock would become the port for a new Royal Caribbean cruise stop. To help the town with its financial windfalls via tourism money, despite no one else in Sitka being good with this. But that setup, gives rise to a powerful and fascinating documentary. One that explores from beginning to end, what goes into becoming a cruise tourist town and if it is helpful for these cash strapped cities, in quite the incredible manner.

For this is… that rare documentary that is 100% unbiased. Despite being put together by a citizen of Sitka. For director Ellen Frankenstein calls this place home, but truly wanted to offer up an objective view of such matters and present all sides to us. Which allows for us to hear about how and what Royal Caribbean offers to the citizens of towns where it sets up a port, and yes… there are benefits. Since there are opportunities for entrepreneurs to receive prime placement stores near the docks and of course… having people in a new town does prompt them explore, spend some money and showcase what a lovely place it is on social media. The latter of which, is never a bad thing. But there was mention that we see both sides of the story here, and the negatives of such a move are indeed on display here.
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Since this film also points out… how companies like Royal Caribbean only contribute so much before just letting things be, and there is little that can be done to control the corporate takeover of a town. Since there is nothing to stop Starbucks from opening up twelve franchises in the area and muscle out some local businesses in the process. Not to mention, hundreds of thousands of people come through Sitka and other towns like it, giving rise to incredible foot and vehicle traffic that infrastructure might not be able to handle, not to mention… there’s a carbon footprint factor too. Because every busload of tourists that head to a local sanctuary, make use of vehicles to get there, and there are… some other facts and surprises about cruise companies that we don’t know about that will shock you when you watch this documentary, and you absolutely should see it.

Because Cruise Boom asks a lot of the tough questions we need to, when it comes to our desire to get away from it all as a rebellious response to corporate culture in the 21st Century. Such as, do we understand that we are supporting major corporations in our attempt to rebel against them? Since they do control our entire escape. Not to mention, are these throngs of tourists good for a local economy or nothing more than the burden some worry they will be? But above all, is this the right way to showcase beautiful corners of the world? Because of the demand put upon them, and there are no easy answers here. For this feature offers education and presentation of some very real issues and that does make this, a must-see documentary. Because it is really does start some powerful and necessary discussions about a growing issue that impacts lives, and precious places in our world.  

Watch ‘Cruise Boom’ on PBS and Kanopy.

Caution: This article contains spoilers for the motion picture, ‘Maya and the Wave’.
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For the most part, sports stories/documentaries that focus upon an athlete that has to overcome great odds to succeed or come back from an incredible setback, follow a fairly specific formula. In that, they introduce us to the athlete in question, so we can learn who they are and what drives them to succeed… before showing us their struggle and their strife, briefly, so that the story can focus on their journey to the top. And they follow this formula, because it is super inspiring. Because it is powerful to see someone dig deep and push forward to achieve their goals, or overcome stunning odds to be the best, and we truly associate athletes as people that can achieve such feats, and their story does indeed make us feel as though we can take on the world.

But while that formula works well and truly does send our spirits soaring, there is a problem that accompanies constantly presenting that to the world. In that, it doesn’t show the complete picture. Because coming back from a setback isn’t the smooth process we see in these stories, and sometimes, fighting for our goals requires far more work than we ever knew. Which is why it is so supremely refreshing when we encounter a sports documentary that offers that kind of honesty. That is willing to showcase how hard the battle to be the best can be, and it just so happens that a new documentary, one that features an incredible story that needs to be told, breaks from the normal sports documentary mold, to give us that honest look at what it takes to succeed, and that is why Maya and the Wave, outright needs to be celebrated.  

Which this film accomplishes by introducing us to quite frankly, the best surfer in the world, Maya Gabeira. Who holds the Guinness World Record twice over for surfing the biggest waves on the planet. But… getting those records did not come easy, and that is where this story separates itself from others in this genre. Because Director Stephanie Johnes chronicles every waking moment of Maya’s rise to the top, and that allows for us to see that she had some early career struggles, despite being something of a prodigy on a surfboard, and we are also privy to the horrible sexism that often stood between her and the wave, accolades, and competitions that could have done so much more for her career. But truly, what makes this journey so powerful and so different… is Maya’s darkest hour.

For a stunning encounter with a brutal wave, badly injured her. To the point where she required incredible medical care for quite some time and well… this is when we really see what she is made of, and where the story truly shocks and surprises you. Because Maya’s fight back from injury is put on full display here. To the point where we are privy to the tears, privy to the pain and that is all hard to watch. In part because we are conditioned to expect otherwise in these stories, but also because… it is as real as it gets. Because this… this is what the road back looks like for an athlete that has suffered through great injury and this, makes for a far more inspiring tale than one might expect. Because you’re not being fed nonsense… you’re bearing witness to the power of the human spirit.
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Which brings forth an incredible second half of the film, where you see Maya fight hard to come back and do her best to cope with pain and do what must be done, medically, to be free of it, and yet… there’s still so many powerful elements to explore in this tale when it comes to her journey back from injury. For there are moments where Maya clearly battles a touch of PTSD, something we NEVER see in these films, and she has to face that, and overcome it if she remotely wants to surf again. Which means we are privy to a story that does more than inspire, it takes the time to explore in shocking detail, how we heal, physically and emotionally from hardships in life, and how we face that which sets us back so we can conquer it and find peace.

Giving rise to a story that inspires the very core of our soul. Because if Maya can overcome fear, and physical pain to be the absolute best in her field, what then… is holding us back from rising to the top? All of which makes, for a stunning and moving documentary. One that truly brings you to tears of worry and tears of joy, courtesy of the most intimate exploration of an athlete’s life to ever be put on film, and that makes this an absolute must-see feature. Simply because, this is that rare story, that not only paves the way for a new type of documentary to come to life, but truly captures the wonder and the glory of the human condition and informs us… that there is nothing we cannot achieve when we apply our minds, our hearts, and our very soul… to the goal we so desire.

To watch ‘Maya and the Wave’ purchase your tickets at the Village East by Angelika website.

It is definitely safe to say that M. Night Shyamalan is enjoying quite the resurgence right now. For he’s back behind the camera, sending unique new stories our way that feature his patented twists and some wonderfully twisted black humor and well, he’s doing everything he can to make sure he sends amazing new movies our way For M. Night is also big on producing right now to make sure the multiplex is filled with fresh new stories for everyone to enjoy and one that caught his eye is going to debut soon on MAX.
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For recently, the streamer let it be known that Caddo Lake, a mystery/thriller, written and directed by Celine Held and Logan George, and produced by Mr. Shyamalan, will debut on the network on October 10, just in time for spooky season, and it certainly fits the vibe. Courtesy of a unique and engaging plot that clearly caught the eye of a living horror legend, and it is a plot we will share with you now, along with some first-look photos a teaser trailer for the film. As we begin the countdown to what should be quite the chilling MAX Original.

‘The inspiration for CADDO LAKE was sparked after filmmakers, Celine Held and Logan George, came across a photograph of the real Caddo Lake online, leading to many visits to the cypress forest that rests on the border of Texas and Louisiana. The film was shot in late 2021 and 2022 in and around Karnak, Texas.
 
The Plot: When an eight-year-old girl mysteriously vanishes, a series of past deaths and disappearances start to link together, forever altering a broken family’s history.
        
Cast: Dylan O’Brien, Eliza Scanlen, Diana Hopper, Caroline Falk, Sam Hennings, with Eric Lange, and Lauren Ambrose.  
 
Credits: CADDO LAKE is written and directed by Celine Held & Logan George; produced by M. Night Shyamalan, Ashwin Rajan, Kara Durrett and Josh Godfrey; executive producers Kimberly Steward, Harrison Huffman, and Will Greenfield.’

The 1970s were a fascinating time for motion pictures. Simply because, film became the source of catharsis for so many in an era that was so incredibly turbulent. For the United States had just exited the Vietnam War, and civil unrest was still on everyone’s mind and the divides were great across the nation, much like they are now, and that brought about… angry motion pictures that expressed frustrations and worked them out in stories that were just so incredibly violent and gory in nature. Because that was what the public demanded and craved... and needed. But once the anger faded, the cinematic landscape change, and some of what the 70s gave to life stuck around.
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After all, horror titans George Romero, Wes Craven, John Carpenter, and Tobe Hooper went on to have amazing careers from the angry work they presented in the 70s, but not all of those films were so fortunate. After all, the grindhouse features of that era faded away into memory, as did the exploitation features that shocked audiences everywhere. Simply because people really didn’t need them anymore, and those types of stories were no longer in demand. But they were not forgotten. Because now and again, you run into filmmakers that work to pay tribute to that era to keep history alive. But that’s really as far as it goes when it comes to any type of genuine continuation of grindhouse and exploitation features.

But believe it or not, there are still a handful of filmmakers eager to see if by chance… such films can thrive in this era of renewed anger and division, since movies in that style are returning to the marketplace, as evidenced by the new feature film from writer/director Ken Brewer, Death Bitch. Which is a film that plunges us into an everyday metropolitan city that is suffering from all the problems that we worry over now, and that divide us. A violent crime rate, gang violence, hell… there’s even a serial killer stalking the streets and of course, the police force in this town (which harbors detectives that are slightly more intelligent than a bag of rocks) accomplishes nothing in the fight against crime. If anything, the only person that seems interested in doing anything is the entity known as the Vigilante. A brutal crime fighter that’s had enough and is eager to clean up the streets and avenge an old pain before the situation in the city spirals out of hand.

Which is the perfect way to resurrect exploitation and grindhouse concepts. Since the Vigilante is indeed the violent dark knight the city needs and deserves and she, yes… she, prowls the city with an efficiency that strikes fear into the city’s worst criminals, and she handles them with an extreme prejudice that brings forth what we know and love from these genres. Since she will beat the living hell out of the bad guys and gals in this town and tear them shreds if it means the streets can be safer and her pain can be lessened. Which gives rise to some gory and amazing sequences of violence that harken back to that era no problem and satisfy hardcore fans of those films while introducing a whole new audience to those movies in the process.
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But what makes this film fascinating, is that while it does its best to resurrect the era, even going so far as to pay homage to one of the OG vigilante/exploitation/grindhouse films via its title (see 1974’s Death Wish), it does not in fact, bring them back to life. Simply because that can no longer be done. For we no longer want to work out fury on screen, we want action on these matters, and we want understanding on how to prevent such problems from ever returning to our world ever again. Which is reflected by the depth present regarding the Vigilante’s backstory and via some of the more intimate moments with the bumbling cops of this town. Making this more of a unique parody of our worries so that we can dive into the root causes and their fixes.

Which makes for a very unique viewing experience, one that might be off-putting to some since the story starts out as a revitalization, only to become a grandiose study regarding the impact of violence on modern man. But it’s worth sticking with to be treated to what is… experimental cinema. Since it does swing for the fences in both of its explorations, and it does recapture the horrifying magic of these types of stories. In fact, the finale is nothing short of an assault on one’s senses because of the violence and fury that takes place. All of which makes this a worthwhile and sound watch. One that truly does wax nostalgic for genres gone by, while also pointing out why they cannot thrive ever again, and there’s nothing wrong with enjoying a feature that tips its cap to the past while looking forward.

The vast majority of us, have some unique perspectives regarding celebrities and the lives they lead. For we truly believe that they enjoy storied and magnificent lives, where their every whim is catered to and where they have freedom and comfort to be creative and to be at peace. Not to mention, we often believe that gives to a semi-aloof life. One with idle time and that is what brings about trouble for them. As though they lose touch with reality and that motivates them to take part in actions we soon read about in tabloids or on celebrity gossip websites. But what makes those perspectives so unique, is how incredibly wrong they are when all is said and done.

Because they help us to forget that celebrities are people, talented ones yes, but they are still people who struggle with ups and downs and face some very real problems. And their days aren’t always sunshine and rainbows for various reasons and their ‘fall from grace’ moments relate to something far deeper than just being ‘out of touch’. Which are truths that we tend to learn later in life when the celebrity or those they left behind reflect, and they are truths we should learn sooner. To offer those folks grace and understanding, and one fine way to do that… is to watch and recommend stories that do just that, such as the new documentary that dropped on Peacock today, Gary.

For this is a story that explores the life and times of the one, the only, Gary Coleman. Whom we all know and all love from the acclaimed series, Diff’rent Strokes, and who of course, passed on after facing some tough days. All of which made it seem as though he was the definition of that out of touch mantra since he grew up a star and fell upon hard times. But this documentary… truly presents Gary Coleman as a person. By having family, friends, confidants, and former business partners, speak to his life, his growth, and what success was like for Gary and how incredibly talented and gifted he was as a performer.

But where this documentary truly shines… is in its raw examination of what came after the spotlight. Of how, the trappings of celebrity put him through hard times. Not because he was out of touch or delusional, but because… others took advantage of him and his standing, and ostracized him and left him feeling as though he did not matter. Which led to many a conflict, and a marriage that leaves fans with questions to this day. But hearing about how family crossed lines, about the void that left in his heart, makes for some powerful moments. The kind that shows us how the unfortunate views we harbor regarding celebrity can sully relationships and create unrealistic expectations for those in the limelight. 
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Which does make this film a bit of a tragedy. Since clearly, Gary never escaped those expectations or those trappings. Nor did he ever find peace with the business that gave him so much and took so much. But that… is the kind of honesty his story deserves and that is the kind of honesty we the audience need. To really understand what life is like for those in the limelight and how hard it is for celebrities to balance the public eye and the troubles that everyone deals with. But at the same time, this is also a beautiful story, about a beautiful soul that figured out how to bring joy into people’s lives and despite his concerns, will be remembered as more than a catch phrase.

Thanks in large part to this documentary, which truly does cover so much and truly does explore the life and times of a man that was a kind soul and had so much love to offer and well… all of these elements bring forth a compelling and moving story. One that demystifies celebrity and its clichés and its stereotypes and truly presents us with a story of a life, one that saw ups and downs and success and failure and one that was able to teach us so much. About what it means to be present in the moment and how we often make more of an impact upon other people’s lives and the world… than we give ourselves credit.

Now and again, life just plain gets us down. It could be because work is driving us mad, or because there’s just tons of stress surrounding us. But one way or another, we will experience a patch of life that is unpleasant and uninspiring. Wherein we want nothing more than to be free of that weight if only for a moment and one way we accomplish that, is through a trip to the theater. Because there’s usually something playing at the multiplex that helps us to clear our head or find focus, because movies are magical like that, and that’s why so many have made a habit of finding positivity on the silver screen.
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But every now and then, a very special feature comes along. One that not only lifts our spirits when they are in need of a pick me up, but also inspires us in ways we never thought possible and those… are the most amazing features of all. Because they tap into something powerful and leave our spirits soaring and it just so happens… that a motion picture that accomplishes those goals, one that is executive produced by Rashida Jones no less, will be arriving in New York, soon. For Maya and the Wave is the incredible story of Maya Gabeira, a surfer that wanted nothing more than to leave her mark on the surfing world… by surfing the largest wave in the world.

A decision that initially ended in tragedy, but that did not stop Maya from working back from that failure to do the impossible and garner a world record in the process and well, this story, one that will truly inspire so many and remind us of what we are capable of when we put our minds to it, will be playing at Village East by Angelika in New York City on 9/13. And well, to properly celebrate the arrival of a story that will not only lift people out of their funk, but truly inspire them to go after their dreams, the trailer was released for this powerhouse documentary earlier today.

Which we will share with you now, so you too can see just how incredible this feature is going to be before you venture out to see it at the Village East. To find that pick up me up, and inspiration and awe we all crave from seeing people at their best, on the silver screen.  

More often than not, stories that revolve around the impact of grief as the result of the death of a loved one, are supremely somber in nature, and specific on what grief does to us from a behavioral standpoint and it makes sense as to why they go such routes. After all, loss is devastating, and grief is truly transformative. To the point where it prompts us to act out emotionally, in ways we never have before. All because the pain and the void that accompanies losing someone is hard to contain, and well, showcasing this in such a frank and direct manner in stories, allows for us understand the seriousness of the matter and how best to cope and move forward so we don’t fall into dark traps emotionally.
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But while that is something to applaud, it isn’t a formula that is helpful for everyone. In part because, people process grief in a supremely unique and individual manner, so the one-size-fits-all approach of storytelling might not be helpful for them. Plus, how grief impacts us isn’t always in the direct manner that such stories show us. Not to mention, not everyone handles grief in such a heavy manner. For some use humor to cope and well, that is likely why we are starting to see stories out there that examine such matters in a different manner. So that others can recognize their pain and heal and perhaps understand that a few quips now and again aren’t harmful if that is how they cope and recently, a short feature from writer Neal Reddy and director Derek Evans, has been making the festival rounds that features that different look at how we grieve and heal.

A feat that Barely Breathing accomplishes, courtesy of one refreshing and unique, and funny plot. Wherein we meet Sai. An everyday guy that is doing his best to get by, like the rest of us. But one day, Sai’s world is turned upside down, when an attempt to spice up his self-pleasure session through autoerotic asphyxiation, goes terribly wrong. But thankfully, a delivery man saves him from dying and the resulting fallout from this accident, prompts his parents to demand he move back in and take part in an AEA (Autoerotic Asphyxiation Accident) support group. A move that Sai initially finds to be comical at best. But time spent with the group, and being home after all these years, opens Sai’s eyes to the reality that there is some deep, unresolved trauma resulting from the death of his mother that he harbors, and that perhaps the time has come to face it.

Which really is… the most unique way to explore such subject matter. Because that is a plot that one would not associate with grief and loss, but it is… an effective way to explore how people grieve and heal in a manner that isn’t traditional, and obviously… it uses impactful humor to do so. In fact, the comedy here is simply top notch. Because every single gag and moment pulls from the awkwardness of life and moments that we can relate to, and of course, the gags and the jokes are perfectly timed and refreshing and impactful. Allowing for maximum laughs to take place, and for real genius to come forth. Because in many ways, the comedy is designed to bring our guard down and make us comfortable, so that the story can hammer home its most important messages.
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Such as how, there are people out there, who struggle to grieve, like Sai. Because it’s obvious as this story rolls along that when the dark day came, he knew not how process it all. He just went along, forged ahead like so many incorrectly suggest. Plus, he learned how to confront and embrace that pain in a supremely unhealthy manner, manifested through his sexual act. Which so many do, maybe not through AEA necessarily, but we all have our vices. Be it booze, or drugs or toxic emotions. All to keep us from dealing with what must be dealt with, and that is of course, problematic. For without confrontation of grief, we don’t live, we don’t move forward and those are powerful examinations and messages to find here, the kind that are further enhanced by the greatest one of all.

In that, it’s okay if you don’t grieve right away and lose sight. Because we all make mistakes and grief is hard and painful to deal with. What matters more, is that we eventually confront it, and find the peace and balance we need in life, and that makes this… a supremely brilliant and beautiful short feature. One that truly does offer an amazing perspective on grief and trauma and how we come back from it. Courtesy of beautiful writing and acting from Neal Reddy, who also plays Sai in the film, and masterful direction from Derek Evans and hopefully, you get the chance to see this short feature soon. Because it is important, hilarious and above all, meaningful, and it should indeed offer a different path to healing to those who are struggling with loss and are in need of an assist.

Please enjoy this exclusive sneak peek and synopsis of Love Kills, which you can stream on demand right now!
 
'Love Kills takes audiences on a thrilling journey through the tangled web of love and betrayal. Infidelity comes crashing down when Lia, played by the talented Gaia Brooks, finds herself torn between her long-time boyfriend, Milo, portrayed by Maximilian Seed, and their captivating new roommate, Brianna, brought to life by Lucy Diamante. As Lia grapples with her feelings for Brianna, tensions rise and secrets are revealed. But when Milo catches them cheating and Brianna mysteriously disappears, Lia is thrust into a dark and dangerous world where nothing is as it seems.'