Brett Bentman continues his eclectic filmography with a unique genre blending thriller. Missing Persons is, at its core, a harrowing survival story about abduction and deception amidst government conspiracies and shadowy ex-soldiers. Bentman continues to grow and perfect his troupe, pulling in past collaborators, famous athletes, and new cast and crew members to create a challenging, labyrinth of a film, in which nothing is what it seems and no one can be trusted. Featuring one of the best ensemble performances in Bentman's quickly growing portfolio, genuinely frightening sequences of torture, and an undertone of humor that brings everything together, this is yet another wondrous example of how independent film making is here to stay.
Two eccentric war
veterans have made a post military career out of teaching lessons to those who
transgress against the honor of the uniform. Their latest project is a
mysterious man named Alex Therberg who ultimately gives the duo more than they
bargained for, opening a closet in with possibly
extraterrestrial skeletons have long since been hiding. Bentman's script,
based on a story by Jason Walter Vaile is one of his most dialogue heavy.
The story is centered on a trio. Therberg, played by Bentman staple Thom
Hallum is the center of the chaos. Using an inverted narrative structure,
the bulk of the film is centered on Hallum's perspective, which is possibly
suspect. He is supported by Dustin Rhodes and Monty Sopp, two former
wrestling superstars who are easily having the most fun with the
material. The chemistry between the three men is both hilarious and
dangerous, with the ebb and flow of their conversations drifting between an ill-advised
vendetta and a gripping portrayal of soldiers in the wake of their
service.
Scott Ross returns to the lens, with evocative cinematography that has an
elusive context. Some of the best sequences are in the open air, free of
the confines of the lies we tell that restrains our movements. One scene
in particular is a memorable first sequence in which the soldiers tell jokes to
one another. It is filmed in an observant manner, with the viewer quietly
spying on two comrades as they share humor. Sopp and Rhodes begin in an
awkward dance, lulling the audience into a sense of security before pulling the
safety net out from under them to reveal two mean motor scooters who have
wrongs to right. The result? An absolutely harrowing story that is
nothing like what it initially appears to be. Jeff Hamm’s stalwart
editing is also a credit. Weaving
several different stories and timelines together to support the house of cards
ambiance.
Another element that enhances the experience is how cohesive the cast and crew
are. This is a story that would not work without buy in and simply put, the
cast pulls you in. Scenes that don't appear relevant, reveal themselves
as cornerstones in the mind's eyes as the wool is slowly pulled from the
viewer's eyes. It is a testament to Bentman's direction and the
dedication of the entire team. Missing Persons is a story about
many things, any one of which could have dominated the proceedings, but thanks
to the talent involved, it remains steadfastly neutral in its loyalties until
the very end, letting the viewer make key decisions about what they just
viewed.
Coming soon to Digital on Demand, Missing Persons is another genuine
experience from the B22 coconspirators. Building upon lessons learned
from previous efforts, this is a well-polished and slick approach to an
overdone genre. Blending a shrewd script with an eager group of talent, Bentman
and company once again deliver an independant skull cracker that will keep the
viewer guessing and pondering long after the credits roll.
--Kyle Jonathan