A Grim Mini Series:
Final Fracture [2022]
Series Review
by Ethan Stamper
“The story of HIS favorite reaping, a Grim Reaper working his 9-5. Obsessed with horrific puns and flat humor the reaper tells the story of Dani and Samantha.”
“Ah, just in time to hear a story,” and believe you me, this is one you don’t want to miss. In fact, this delicacy is of otherworldly thrill, a treat that casually brushes with death. Certainly, I’m broaching the black-shrouded helmsman of the underworld, death personified. Reaping since he was a little “reaper snapper,” the recollections are surely plentiful from time immemorial. But have you ever wondered about the Grim Reaper’s favorite reaping? Enter: A Grim Mini Series: Final Fracture.
With a coalition of 388 Studios Releasing, MyIndie Productions and Kill The Pig Productions, A Grim Mini Series: Final Fracture is a toiling from duo Adam Steigert (director) and Kristin Steigert (writer). Originally conceived as an 8-part mini series (as evident by the title, no?), this film translates to length like a fine wine, and checks in with a runtime just shy of 46 minutes. Boiled with a quality association of Sean C. Sanders, Jamie Miller, Melodie Roehrig, Mark Bogumil, Sarah Jeanne, Haley Grogan and others, Final Fracture presents an outlying tale that goes the full six to satiate our curiosity re: the reaper’s favorite reaping.
Sporadically trailing Grim (Sanders) while on his daily 9-to-5, Final Fracture sets off in the midst of a lovers’ quarrel between a seemingly perfect couple, Dani (Miller) and Samantha (Roehrig). When Dani grows suspicious of Sam’s behavior i.e. inconsistencies in schedule, stories, and bank account, mistrust foments and accusations of unfaithfulness arise, trouble in paradise. While Sam pleads her innocence, the situation nosedives as a furious Dani promptly packs her bags and leaves.
“Who is she?” Dani neurotically mulls in an attempt to unearth Sam’s paramour. After whittling a list of potentials, she makes a rootless connection, and is convinced that Lana (Jeanne), the pair’s old acquaintance, is the guilty party. Unbeknownst to Dani, however, is that Sam’s shadiness resulted from something else entirely, but I’ll try to avoid spoilers...
Soon, the film lops into one one of Dani’s prior therapy sessions with long-time care provider, Doctor Bill (Bogumil). Here, she confides that she hasn’t been totally open with Samantha about who she is, and intentionally kept her in the dark. As the session comes to a close, Dani’s troubles come into focus.
As Dani‘s disturbances are uncovered, it is given these aren’t recent manifestations. As a callously impulsive 10-year-old child with depraved inclinations, young Dani (Grogan) was up to all kinds of dark mischief even at a very young age. Thus, she has had the displeasure of bouncing between psychiatric institutions. That is, until she found stability in the office of Doctor Bill, who declared radical behavior modification and suppressive therapy as the charted path. As for the rest of the story and the reaper’s favorite reaping, you’d need to watch to find out for yourselves.
Overseeing the transition from reaper to peculiar host that trades scythe for flat humor, A Grim Mini Series: Final Fracture branches from the typical to present a clever reimagining and spiel that allures the contemporary from start to finish. Wholly, the film bids high across the board in regards to attributes, but none higher than that of pacing, dialogue and performance.
Accordingly, the pacing matches the essence of the film. Arguably a credit to its unique, mini series genesis, the pacing progresses at a measured rate that perpetuates viewer attention and comprehension without distraction due to avoiding common tempo pitfalls: dragged or rushed. As well, it allows for proper buildup, exhibition and fluidity throughout the duration. Although somewhat abstract, pacing sometimes is either an asset or a liability, yet it is most certainly the former here as it extends a familiar sensation of seemingly going by too quickly but not really, once the credits begin to roll.
In addition, the dialogue is organic and unconfined. Lush, it furthers both the story and character development in a coherent manner via articulation that gives more than cursory, extracting a quality, efficient discourse. Without being too heavy-handed, it is largely free from filler, drab and repetition (which is properly utilized when necessary), making for a natural output that accentuates.
Withal, the performances are good. Assuredly, the entirety contributed a credible impression that lent validity to their respective characters in a job well done. Nevertheless, I’m compelled to spotlight Jamie Miller and Hayley Grogan specifically, the pairing young/old portrayal of character Dani Love Sanders, as both rendered a performance that was legitimately goosebump inducing. For Miller, it was her scene in the therapist office, as she managed to convincingly rouse Dani’s illness, going as far to exploit subtle gambits such as restraining blinking to produce an unfocused leer. For Grogan, she couldn’t have been more perfect in her role, and gave a remarkably creepy portrayal of a deeply troubled child.
Without fussing too much, I do have some trivial moans. At certain points, such as the opening argument between Dani and Sam, I do wish for more vocal inflection and emotion given the gravity of the situation. As well, I don’t feel like Doctor Bill properly aged between visits with childhood Dani and present time, and a changing of wardrobe and slightly modified hairstyle just doesn’t cut the mustard. Again, trivial moans.
Ultimately, A Grim Mini Series: Final Fracture is a well written deviation of interesting origin. Providing a notable story told by a reaper with his nose (bone? exposed nasal cavity?) on the grindstone, this mini-series turned feature flashes pacing, dialogue and performance. With few minor errors, the laurels are certain to accumulate. And if you’d thought reaping was all fun and games, perhaps you’d better think again.
My Score: 8.2 out of 10.
