I usually have no problem comparing a new movie to previous titles with a similar plot, but when it comes to Every Time I Die – I really struggle to find the right predecessor to judge it by. This isn’t a bad thing, however, because Every Time I Die is an original, violent love story with a dark fantasy element to keep viewers enthralled. It’s invigorating and a real cinematic experience, and a capable title that’s bound to be a standout at CineQuest Film Festival screening March 8 to March 15, 2019. A collaboration between MiLa Media, Invisible Pictures and Harvest Wave Productions, Every Time I Die is a clever mix of obsession, possession and reincarnation…all wrapped up in a dangerous game of betrayal. Written by Robi Michael and co-writer Gal Katzir, Every Time I Die sees a man named Sam as he quietly pines for his crossed-lover Mia. Mia’s married to a former marine who’s not happy that his best friend is fantasizing about his wife. When things turn deadly one afternoon, Sam is murdered on the shores of forest’s lake…only to have his consciousness jump into another body in their friend circle. Now, he needs to stop Mia’s husband from continuing his jealous rampage all while leaping from body to body. Directed by Robi Michael, Every Time I Die stars Drew Fonteiro, Marc Menchaca, Michelle Macedo, Tyler Dash White and Melissa Macedo.
I watched my screener of Every Time I Die last week, and even working on my review now I’m filled with nothing but fond memories and positive things to say. It speaks to the success of director/producer Robi Michael, producers David M. Milch, Tal Lazar, Gal Katzir, and co-producer Phil Newsom that they created a film that will stick with an audience for a while after the credits roll. It’s almost like Sam’s conscious and the mood of the movie will jump into your body, on par with the theme and plot of this masterpiece. Every Time I Die doesn’t fall anywhere near the horror genre line, going forward with a romance-drama meets brutal-thriller story-line. Do people die? Yes. Is there some blood? A smidgen. But this movie relies on so much more to enthrall the audience and it does so fluidly and effortless, with every transition carried out in a genuine honestly that I don’t think I’ve seen in a movie in my life-time. It’s these little touches of professionalism and story-telling that puts Every Time I Die into the “best film of the year” category and it’s only March. I don’t think there’s going to be another movie that just smashes the Hell out of its goal as much as this one does. When you throw in the expert cinematography from Tal Lazar and seamless editing from Gal Katzir, Every Time I Die becomes a title that was built for movie theaters. Thank god it’s screening at CineQuest in a few days. Make sure to catch it on the silver-screen if you’re there!
The atmosphere is sad and apparent, but it’s also kind of trippy. The trippy-ness is subtle, of course, but it grows throughout the movie and it’s a little extra flair that’ll make you feel “wow” and think “that’s pretty cool.” It’s an almost psychedelic energy that’s hidden so beautifully in the depth and brutality of this movie. And, gosh, the acting is so good. Acting is such an integral part of making a successful movie and Every Time I Die was cast and performed to perfection. You can’t help but to feel sorry for Sam throughout all his trials and tribulations, and that same amount of empathy and sympathy is passed on to Mia as the film comes to a conclusion. I’m really trying to think of something negative to say about this movie in an effort to be fair and accurately critical, but there really isn’t anything to harp on. Maybe I didn’t like one of the digitally made special effects at the end? I mean, I could go over Every Time I Die again with a cinematic magnifying glass and I still think I’d struggle to find anything bad to say. It’s a sleeper hit in the making and better than I expected, a film that pulls you in and never lets go. I wish I could give more plot details and twists away, but that would take away some of the magic from your own viewing. This movie is destined to do big things, so if you miss it at CineQuest March 8 to March 15, 2019, you’ll definitely see it somewhere else in the very near future.
An entrancing, diabolical romance thriller that exudes sympathy and remorse, Every Time I Die is nothing short of heart-stopping and astounding. Final Score: 10/10.
