FAMILIAR
Directed by Richard Powell
Produced by Zach Green
Length: 23 minutes
Sometimes, good things come to those who wait. Familiar is a memorable short film directed by Richard Powell (Consumption, Worm) that gets you when you’re not looking. This one is worth paying full attention.
John Dodd hates his family life. He spends most of his time lost in thought, negatively brooding over his dreary existence and feels increasingly apathetic towards his wife and daughter. Not really wanting an answer, the most he can vocalize to his wife is, “Are you okay?” John attempts a terrible, drastic measure to deal with his wife’s breaking news. His inner voice gets continually more violent, vehemently spitting volatile thoughts inside his head to the extent where it seems to manifest physically a la Henenlotter’s BRAIN DAMAGE. Saying no more, it’s definitely something for body horror fans to see!
The depressive, self-loathing yet comical voiceover instantly brings Kevin Spacey’s character in AMERICAN BEAUTY to mind, being chock-full of snide attitude while quietly going mad from midlife frustration. I admit, the extremely slow pacing mixed with lead actor Robert Nolan‘s hushed voice quickly initiated a shockingly hypnotic effect on me to the point of almost nodding off. However, the payoff is very much worth staving off the lure of dreamland. It’s all part of the plan. Director Powell seduces the viewer into relaxation, then pounces in style with full-on, grotesque body horror! One can only hope a feature-length sequel is in the works. Familiar is beautifully shot and well acted. It’s a very impressive film for having a running time of less than a half hour. The graphic gore f/x are well done and deliciously satisfying, especially for Henenlotter fans. Recommended.
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