99 Problems is a new short Sci-Fi film by writer-director Michael G. Kehoe. Created as a pre-log to a tv series, it has been described as a throwback to the classic episodes of The Twilight Zone, delivering an engrossing story with a unique unexpected twist at the end. Whilst there will be obvious comparisons to the Twilight Zone and other similar sci-fi programs, 99 Problems manages to stand its own, where it feels as though it has been updated for a modern audience, with both the visual execution and overall darker tone of the film.
A waitress is given the opportunity to change the immediate future. Her life depends on it.
The film itself takes place with a small remote diner which helps to create an intense claustrophobic atmosphere, although there are some beautiful outside sweeping shots at both ends of the film which add some breadth to an otherwise contained story.
With the excellent script and the emotional performances from the cast Michael brilliantly manipulates the audience throughout the film. Feeding the viewer enough information to form part of the picture but leaving it up to the audience to fill in the details and come to their own conclusions as to what is happening. Before delivering a final twist that has a unique balance of shock value and comedy which stays with you after watching. What makes it even more impressive however is how it leaves you recalling the events of the story. There are so many areas that are left unexplained and it was a deliberate move as it leaves you wanting to know more. I am sure many audience members will come up with their own interpretations regarding the overall arc of the story, taking into account several clues within the dialogue possibly even lyrics of the soundtrack.
The cast makes the most of the clever script and I really enjoyed the emotional exchanges between the characters, especially with the delivery of some of the monologues. Michelle Renee Allaire certainly sets the tone with her emotional recollection at the start of the film, although it is Richard Leacock’s hypothesis in a later scene that really started to get you thinking. Whilst he was addressing the waitress, it also feels as though the question was being asked of the audience at the same time as it starts to get you thinking.
Whilst a majority of the dialogue is delivered from other members of the diner, Yan Birch really stood out for me with his deliberately subdued performance in which he relies heavily on his body language and visual expressions. Whether the camera is focused on his character or he is merely in the background, he always seems to warrant your attention with his subtle visual expressions really adding to the scenes. Having made a name for himself in the horror genre, it is not surprising that he is able to create an ominous presence on screen, although it is great to see him deliver a well-rounded performance which includes his delivery for comedy.
Whilst the film is only set in the dinner, both the movement of the camera and constant change in camera angles really optimises the location. Each of the interacting scenes feels as though they have been segregated with each shot, which allows them to constantly change the overall tone, even though it maintains a gradual build-up tension and a foreboding sense of dread inside.
Music in a film can often play a big part in a film and 99 problems uses its soundtrack and score perfectly throughout the film. The upbeat tempo of the opening title song really draws you in with the flowing camerawork of the opening shot, before Alfred Montejano more haunting score add a more sinister uncertainty without overshadowing the performances.
99 Problems is a brilliantly original and thought-provoking film that proves that sometimes less is more. We see this in the script and performances, so it continues to evoke further questions after watching. Like all good shorts it delivers, but still leaves you wanting more and I hope this is only just the start for both this film and hopefully future episodes of a series. I can imagine we will be hearing more about this film which has already won awards on the festival circuit, as I am sure it will be collecting a lot more in the future.
99 Problems Photo images by Sala Baker.
Film Review 99 Problems
Movie title: 99 Promlems
Movie description: A waitress is given the opportunity to change the immediate future. Her life depends on it.
Date published: June 2, 2021
Country: UK
Director(s): Michael G. Kehoe
Actor(s): Michael G. Kehoe, Sala Baker, Teva Dresbachb Barnea, Yan Birch, William Dixon
Summary
A waitress is given the opportunity to change the immediate future. Her life depends on it.
Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!
