Reviewed by Robert J. Thompson II
I wasn’t sure what to expect, putting this film in. Seth, the gent who runs MoreHorror, simply asked, “would you like to review Starry Eyes?” – what he really asked was, “would you like a free movie?” – of course, I’m going to say “yes”. So, today there’s a knock at the door, and an envelope sitting on my deck, and this evening, I pop it in.
And this is just terrible. Terrible, I tell you. Terrible that I had to wait until 2015, to see one of the best films of 2014. No, not one of the best horror films. One of the best films. Now, I’m a man who loves his mainstream films, so when you ask what my favorites of 2014 were, movies like “Guardians of the Galaxy”, “Gone Girl”, and “The Winter Soldier” are going to be at the top. “Starry Eyes” has easily made my Top 10, and quite possibly my Top 5, for the year.
I loved Starry Eyes so much, that I will not give a full, spoiler-filled review, here. I simply can’t ruin it, when I hear you should be able to see it early in February for yourselves. Instead, what I’m going to do, is spend this review telling you why it’s worth your money. Please, someone let me know where I can send my $22, and I’ll gladly reimburse for this copy. I may watch it again, tonight, before I sleep. Or this morning? I think it’s morning, actually.
Let me start with the overall ‘look’ of the film. It’s beautifully shot. Almost all the right choices were made, on a visual level. A couple of the edits were a bit jarring, but I’m certain they were intended to be. The film that comes immediately to mind is Darren Aronofsky’s “Black Swan”. Not because it mimics it, but because it’s just so damn gorgeous. And yes, I’m saying the Directors delivered on an Aronofsky level. Bravo.
The script, next. It’s not overly complex, by any means. The story follows an aspiring actress, with anxiety issues, as she tries to land the dream role that will inevitably open up doors. What she doesn’t realize is that, to succeed in this industry, you sometimes have to be willing to do more than you would like too. The script itself brought to mind another personal favorite, “The Devil’s Advocate”. Except less exposition. Which was more than fine.
Acting was on point. All five of the friends were played somewhere between adequately, and exceptionally. A couple really weren’t given much to work with. They can’t be blamed for that. Amanda Fuller stood out as Tracy, the concerned roommate/frustrated roommate. Who hasn’t been there? As did Marc Senter as the Casting Director’s Assistant. I hated him from the moment he came on screen, and I wanted to punch him. Not you Marc, you’re beautiful. But your character. And that’s why it was played so well, because we’ve all met said individuals in this industry. Lighten up, if you’re reading this, and are one of them. Have a little fun.
However, the honors of this article go to the star of the film, Alex Essoe, who played Sarah. Ms. Essoe played her part so wonderfully, it’s a shame she wont get the recognition she deserves for it. I was so impressed, I would put her performance on the level of Robin Wright for “House of Cards”, or against any of the lovely women of the industry who will be up for film/tv awards this season. Talented, gorgeous, and a tour de force, on screen, I can only hope her off-screen personality is as splendid as a future starlet, such as herself, would possess. If you don’t expect to see the name Alex Essoe at the top of posters in cinemas soon, you’re sadly misinformed. We’ll forgive you. Just see the movie, you’ll understand.
If you mesh “Black Swan”, with “The Devil’s Advocate”, and mix in some “Rosemary’s Baby”, you might be on par with what has been offered up in “Starry Eyes”. But it delivers all on it’s own. I can only use these as examples of what to expect. This movie surpassed every expectation I may have had, and then some. I cannot begin to recommend this movie enough. Every prospective filmmaker, and actor, must see this film. If you can’t relate to Sarah’s story on a very deep, and disturbing level – you’re in the wrong profession.
Oh, and by the by, the kill scenes were nicely executed. Bloody; visceral; wonderfully shot, and paced. I’m not certain if the five victims were chosen to represent the five points of the pentagram that shows up throughout the film, but if so, it was a nice touch. Hey, that wasn’t a spoiler. Death toll doesn’t give away victims. February 3rd is the street date. Mark your calendars, and look forward to this investment. And don’t wait for Netflix/Redbox, come on people. Essoe’s performance alone warrants a DVD purchase, at least. Just go ahead and buy the Blu-ray. See it the way they wanted you too.
SOURCE: More Horror – Read entire story here.