Occupants – Indie Film Review
Film Synopsis:
A documentary film maker named Annie ropes her husband into a new project that involves setting up cameras throughout their house. Then complications arise when the cameras start showing the same couple in an alternate universe.
Review Summary:
Occupants certainly has some problems, most of which are caused by the budgetary constraints of an independent film. Luckily the great storytelling and its adherence to the established rules allow for an interesting sci-fi movie.
The Good:
The Rules – One of the things that Occupants does great is establishing the lore of the universe it presents. Early on you learn that Annie is not only filming herself and her husband but also a parallel universe version of themselves. When this happens, Specific rules are established. These rules, although not immediately explained, define what can and cannot happen. Throughout the entire film, they are never broken. At least not that I could find. This may sound like a no-brainer, but in the sci-fi genre it is actually very common for rules to have holes in logic. So seeing such a simple film be able to create a series of rules and then abide by them is pretty fantastic and unique.
The Story – Occupants perfectly transitions from one plot beat to the next, each time elevating and intensifying the story. By the time the climax of the film arrives there could be multiple directions the plot can take. This makes it almost impossible to predict. And since being unpredictable is a storytellers greatest struggle, it is a welcome sight.
The Universe – This is one of the things that I personally found the most interesting. Growing up I used to love the TV show Sliders. I would even say it is one of my all time favorite shows. Occupants, much like Sliders, also establishes that alternate universes exist. This means there are multiple variations of everyone on earth. This makes the storytelling possibilities is completely endless. So, to me, the opportunity to dive deeper into the world of Occupants is something that I would very much enjoy.
The Ehh:
Camera Work – The nature of Annie’s documentary has her place 3 cameras on tripods around her home. This set up gives an interesting addition in the found-footage genre. Usually documentary style movies have very shaky and almost nauseating camera work. However, Occupants uses fixed and steady camera angles throughout most of the film. This allows for a new and interesting take on and often over-used style. The downside is that the lack of camera movement makes some slow scenes appear even slower. Static and quick cuts to the alternate dimension are used to compensate for this slower pace. Unfortunately, those additions aren’t enough to bring excitement to the slow scenes. While I do applaud the director on the unique style, the execution could be seen as lacking a little.
The Acting – Since Occupants is an indie film, the budget needed to be managed somehow. The actors are usually the best way to do so. The entire movie has a documentary/real life feel to it. However, the way the actors talk and react often feels stiff and fake rather than natural. This leads to many pivotal scenes being hindered. Now, as I said, this is an indie film which are usually hit or miss with acting, it’s just sad that in this instance it was a miss.
The Ugh-ly:
Nothing – Like any film, Occupants does have its problems, but none of them are bad enough to decrease enjoyment of the overall story.
Grade:
Occupants features Briana White, Michael Pugliese, and Robert Picardo (Star Trek Voyager) and is directed by Russ Emanuel. It is currently making its rounds in the independent film circuit. Currently it is scheduled to appear at the Shriekfest Film Festival this October, but also keep an eye out for it at future film festivals near you. Additionally, Occupants is going to have a comic book tie-in that will premiere at the Phoenix Comicon Fan Fest on October 22nd featuring the art of comic book artist Dave Beaty.
Thank you for the review!