Reaching fame may not be everlasting, but the scars you get
along the way are.
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| Valentina de Angelis as Jessie |
As consumers we need to be aware of the context in which
what we consume is being made. Not only does this help us analyse and appreciate
the things we love more but it also holds the creators and people involved
accountable. Did that 8-page editorial in that fashion magazine come at the
price of the model’s safety? Is this new film you’re dying to see enabling
predators to slip by without consequences for their behaviour?
Of course, I’m talking about the unearthing of Hollywood’s
dark underground which has importantly been going on lately. Although topical,
this theme is not a new one. Thriller/horror films (such as ‘Starry Eyes’ and ‘The
Neon Demon') have been alluding to it for years.
Everlasting (2016, directed by Anthony Stabley) is an indie
film that recognises the exploitation of women for the modelling and entertainment
industry is a horror movie in and of itself.
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| Adam David rocks the guyliner as Matt |
The focus of main character Matt’s high school senior film
project is his journey to Hollywood to find out what happened to his girlfriend Jessie. The film follows Jessie’s journey to seek fame and fortune in Hollywood
as well as Matt’s effort to find the maker of the snuff film Jessie finally got
her starring role in.
A lot of time is spent on us getting to know the
teenagers, with their goth inspired fashion and penchant for pushing the
boundaries.They think they have it all
worked out when in reality it is quickly shown just how naive they are. Watching
this tragedy unfold is heart-breaking.
Everlasting flips between the found footage of Matt’s project
and regular film showing us the events behind the footage. It’s a little
unconventional, takes a bit of getting used to but ultimately experimentation like
this is why indie films are so dynamic; because they explore new ways of
telling a story.
The film has a dreamlike quality to it; achieved by the wide
shots of the locations: the deserts, the streets of L.A, etc. Also, through the
constant and perfect use of lighting; the sun is nearly a supporting character which bathes the film in beauty. Everlasting's soundtrack pairs
perfectly with this: melodic, haunting and also featuring songs by Crystal Castles and Cold Cave.
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| Special mention to Actor Pat Healey for making my skin crawl |
The not so hidden gem
of this movie is the supporting cast, representing the insidious side of L.A. They
all do a great job of blatantly crossing the line into abusive and ultimately getting
away with it. They are the is the real antagonists; Their slick words and cameras are their weapons.
The manipulating, the advantage taking, the murder-both emotionally
and literally were all terrifying thanks to solid performances.
Ultimately, I enjoyed this film despite the uncomfortable creepiness
it left with me. A realistic yet somehow ethereal cautionary tale, I’m giving
it a 7/10.
'Everlasting' is well worth checking out now on Amazon
