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Movie Review: "The Shasta Triangle" (2019)

Source: The A V club 

"The Shasta Triangle" is a 2019 indie sci-fi thriller directed by Barry W. Levy and co-written by Helenna Santos. This film blends elements of fantasy, horror, and science fiction, and attempts to delve into themes of loss, friendship, and the supernatural. Despite its ambitious premise, the movie has garnered mixed reviews, with opinions ranging from praise for its concept to criticism of its execution.

 Plot Summary

The story follows a young woman, Paula (played by Dani Lennon), who returns to her hometown to unravel the mystery surrounding her father’s disappearance. Accompanied by her childhood friends, she ventures into the woods, only to confront ancient, terrifying forces. The narrative is driven by a blend of pseudo-scientific elements and a touch of the supernatural, reminiscent of classic adventure films with a dark twist.

Cast and Crew

The film features a modest cast, including:

- **Dani Lennon** as Paula

- **Helenna Santos** as Alicia

- **Madeline Merritt** as Meredith

- **Deborah Lee Smith** as Charlie

- **Ayanna Berkshire** as Sam

- **Eric Newsome** as Farmer

Barry W. Levy not only directed the movie but also contributed to the story, showcasing a multifaceted involvement in the project. The cinematography by Richard Galli and music by Sean Barrett add layers to the film's eerie and mysterious atmosphere.

 Critical Reception

"The Shasta Triangle" has received a polarized response from audiences and critics alike. Here is a detailed breakdown of the various aspects that have been highlighted in reviews:

Positive Aspects

1. **Concept and Storyline**: Several reviewers appreciated the film’s concept, citing it as intriguing and ambitious for a low-budget indie film. The mix of sci-fi and horror elements, combined with the emotional core of Paula’s quest, received commendation【10†source】【11†source】.

2. **Cinematography**: The visual presentation, especially the use of drone shots to capture the expansive forest setting, was praised. The cinematography helped create an immersive experience despite the limited budget【11†source】.

3. **Emotional Depth**: Some reviews highlighted the film’s emotional depth, particularly the relationships between the characters and Paula's journey, which added a compelling layer to the narrative【10†source】.

Negative Aspects

1. **Acting and Direction**: The acting received mixed reviews, with some viewers finding it unconvincing and others pointing out inconsistencies in direction. The performance quality was seen as a significant detractor from the overall impact of the film【10†IMDb】【11†source】.

2. **Special Effects and Sound**: Given the film's low budget, the special effects and sound design were frequently mentioned as areas needing improvement. Some viewers felt that these technical shortcomings detracted from the film's immersive potential【11†source】.

3. **Pacing and Coherence**: A common critique was the film’s pacing and narrative coherence. Some scenes were described as dragging on with unnecessary dialogue, while key plot points were either rushed or poorly explained, leaving audiences confused and unsatisfied【10†source】【11†source】.

credit: film treat

Audience Reviews

Audience reactions on platforms like IMDb are quite varied. Some viewers enjoyed the film's indie charm and creative ambition, while others were less forgiving of its flaws:

- **Positive Review**: "This film has an incredible emotional center, solid acting, and moments that draw you in. It's a little movie that could, and it really CAN his sentiment echoes a broader appreciation for the movie's heart and effort despite its limitations【10†source】.

- **Negative Review**: "The concept of the movie sounded interesting but a few minutes in I realized how boring this movie is. Bad acting, poor sound design, and a lack of coherence made it a struggle to finish." This review highlights the frustration some viewers felt with the film's execution【11†source】.

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Conclusion

"The Shasta Triangle" is a testament to the challenges and rewards of indie filmmaking. While it might not satisfy all viewers, especially those seeking high production values and polished narratives, it offers a unique blend of sci-fi and horror that can appeal to fans of the genre looking for something off the beaten path. The film’s ambitious concept and emotional undertones provide a glimpse of potential that, with more resources, could have been fully realized. For those interested in exploring indie films with a creative twist, "The Shasta Triangle" is worth a watch, albeit with tempered expectations.

All source : IMDb 

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