FilmSnobReviews

Title: After Midnight
MPAA Rating: Not Yet Rated
Director: Jeremy Gardner
Starring: Jeremy Gardner, Brea Grant, Justin Benson
Runtime: 1 hr 23 mins

What It Is: Hank (Gardner) has been with his lovely girlfriend Abby (Grant) for over a decade. When she leaves without telling Hank where she’s going or when she’ll be back he pretty much starts to lose his sanity. Hank is stalwart in believing that there’s something out there trying to get in. This creature will only try this when the sun goes down and typically its…after midnight. But is the creature real or is it a manifestation of Hanks psyche?

What We Think: What an interesting film. Gardner has proven to be rather huge in the genre film community. Look no further than the fact that he’s in two films that played at Fantastic Fest this year. Back to the film. There’s a surprising amount of depth to this one. I didn’t expect that. One moment, in particular, a…music cue as it were, is absolutely brilliant. The film looks great the Florida setting has this backwoods feel that adds mystery and absolute terror because Deliverance. Some of the acting is a bit spotty but not Bea Grant…she kills it. There’s one longer scene where she shows all of her chops and whats there tells you that she is a very talented actress delivering pretty good dialogue (also written by Gardner)

Our Grade: B-, Gardner proves he can direct the hell out of a movie, Having talents like producer Aaron Moorehead and actor Justin Benson (who are both directors themselves) working with you you’re going to pick up some things. More on those two later. This is a movie that works towards a twist ending but never plays it’s hand too far. You’re never sure what exactly the film is and that’s to its benefit. Check this one out whenever it’s available.