Acting [2021]
Film Review
by Ethan Stamper
“Una would do anything to be a successful actress, and when the perfect killer role does arrive, she will do anything to succeed.” [IMDb]
Rumour has it, opportunity rarely knocks more than once, so you best answer the first time. In this mind-blowing indie thriller, that door is answered by none other than a hapless actress with an insatiable yearn for recognition and success, who is inclined by fair means or foul when offered a killer new role. Directed by Sam Mason-Bell, and co-written with lead actress Annabella Rich, this film parades 71 minutes of indie goodness by-way-of cinematography, performance, and pacing. Acting is a slow-burning refreshment shrouded with a thick morbid tension that engulfs.
Opening in the midst of a rehearsal session, main character Una (Annabella Rich) is refining her pursuits in the company of a tri-fold mirror and her discomposed reflection, seemingly absorbed in the throes of wickedness.
Soon, it is revealed that Una’s acting career has been in free-fall despite giving it her best, with long periods between work becoming the unfortunate norm, and the spring of secondary and miscellaneous roles that once sustained her waning.
In a last ditch effort of reinvigoration, Una is offered a role that is very different than she had previously been accustomed; the only and leading role in a one-woman play entitled, The Tale of the Black Mantis, which follows a serial killer hiring male prostitutes with dark intentions. Assured that this is the opportunity she needs for a career revival, Una hesitantly accepts and intensely prepares for a make-or-break role in method fashion. Just how far was Una willing to go? We’re about to find out.
Acting is outfitted with an eccentric, tension-filled storyline that is recognized over a disrupted narrative, a curiously lukewarm soundtrack, and just the right amount of gore. Certainly, it has an abundance to offer. But it is the cinematography, performance, and pacing that projects.
From the outset, the cinematography is appreciable. A testament to the versatility of writer/director/cinematographer Sam Mason-Bell, he spares no efforts to ensure a proper execution of madness and intensity via filmcraft. Mason-Bell utilizes an array of tones, shadows, angles, and depths to convey conditions and emphasis that changes on a whim, an undertaking that is obviously difficult but very effective. In addition, the lighting and exposure allowed the film an upscale medium that aids in the creation of an atmosphere of uneasiness that perfectly sets the stage.
At that, Annabella Rich is an ace. Much like the character she portrays, Rich is given the spotlight in a predominantly solo capacity, to which she excels. It’s obviously not an easy feat to take on a role of this magnitude but Rich does it with glee. She relays a credible profile of determination, consistency, and insanity, giving us a believable character that scrapes the innermost, darkest parts of her character with ease.
Also, the pacing is very complimentary of the story. It accentuates the tone of the movie, and allows for a morbid transformation to play out in a simmer. The sedated pacing of the film instigates an uncomfortable pit that compounds the foreboding aura that will keep you on your toes throughout.
Although Acting is mostly of solid bones, it isn’t without deficiencies, with the primary rubs being a bit of filler and a few scenes that are long in the tooth and appear to be only drawn out for sake of extending the duration, and a couple of meager, surface-level engagements that feel unnatural and feigned. These issues are extremely minor and infrequent, merely just a peeve that doesn’t reside. Simply put, I’m nitpicking.
Overall, Acting is a delightfully disturbed cerebral that gushes indie prowess. The cinematography is artfully effective (kudos to the swiss army knife that is Sam Mason Bell), Annaeblla Rich gives us a highlight reel, and the pacing makes for a more competent work to the betterment of the film.
Acting is very much a heavy work that excites, so flick the light switch to off and enjoy.
8.4/10.
The film, co-produced by Kelley Daniel, Sam Mason Bell and MyIndie featured artist Shane Ryan, is available for online streaming. Click link to Project Page (below) for streaming/purchase options.
