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| Images Courtesy of Paradox Studios |
Films about
memory, trauma, and loss are commonplace in cinema. In a post covid
world, continually divided via ai bots on social media as well as abject
darkness throughout the globe, visual media has come to embrace these themes
wholeheartedly, particularly the horror genre. There are, however,
exceptions, specifically with respect to the neo-noir and science
fiction genres. Caden Butera's debut feature film, Recollection,
is another addition to the pantheon of these films. A mental health
sojourn masked within a science fiction shell; this is one of the most
proficient independent debuts in recent memory. Featuring a handful of
breakout performances, an interesting (if recycled) premise, and above-board
visuals, this is a film that not only reflects its creators' passion for the
subject matter, but also shows great promise in its director.
In 2033, Kate is an employee of Vitality, a company that specializes in technology that allows a client to erase painful memories. During such a session, Kate's (a routine user) memories are returned due to a glitch, setting off a violent chain of events that confronts not only personal trauma, but a conspiracy that could change the course of humankind. Rylan Butera co-wrote the script with Caden. Perhaps the weakest element, the dialogue tends to get bogged down or dump exposition, though there are a few notable shining moments. Eric Roberts steals the show as a shifty technician Sid Dyas, who may hold the key to the conspiracy that envelopes Kate as she runs for her life. Roberts brings notes of black humor that lightens the almost oppressive mood that pervades the narrative. Cesar Garcia is another high point. He supports as Walter, a security guard for Vitality whose allegiances may or may not be shifting. Rounding out the supporting cast is Kimberly Leemans as a vicious assassin and Stephen Morton as James, an important player in Vitality and Kate's background.
Rosslyn Luke stars as Kate. Her performance is the most complex, having to grapple with multiple memories, emotions, lies, and truths. Starring opposite is Falk Hentschel as Teddy, a man who believes that Kate holds the key to exposing Vitality. Their chemistry is easily the strongest attribute. What begins as a psychological game of cat and mouse culminates into an interesting dynamic that defines the final arc. Additionally, Max Jordan's cinematography is unexpectedly solid. Capturing the not so far off future with deep nocturnal blues while conjuring visions of a future gone awry in dank sub-laboratories and factory corridors. This is accentuated by Kathleen Swanson's meticulous set design, which presents a dystopian daydream that soon becomes an inescapable nightmare.
Now available for digital rental, Recollection does not reinvent the wheel of memory based science fiction, but it does present a stalwart initial effort. While its budget limitations are inescapable, Butera and his cast and crew give it their all and the result is a fun, if predictable Minority Report for the modern age.
--Kyle
Jonathan