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Right At Your Door - Reader Review
Longtime visitor and occasional commentor ESSA has his review of Right At Your Door, the new low-budget apocalyptic tale currently earning raves. Enjoy:
Brad has found himself in a terrifying situation. His wife Lexi has just left home for downtown Los Angeles and breaking news has just been announced that a series of toxic explosions, or ‘dirty bombs’ are taking place throughout the city. Unable to reach Lexi on her phone Brad fears the worst has happened and drives off into the city, only to return home after witnessing a policeman shoot a civilian dead purely on suspicion that he might be carrying the toxic virus. On arrival, the next door handyman has broken into his house for refuge, and after hearing reports on the radio that the virus is airborne they immediately start sealing off all the entrances in the house to avoid contamination. And just as the last patch of Duct tape has been placed over the door Lexi arrives, panic-stricken, covered in the toxic ash, violently coughing, and wanting to get in to her house. Will Brad show signs of compassion and let her in, or will he do what I would do in that situation and shout go away bitch, me no speake anglais!
It definitely has its moments; first time director Chris Gorak has made the most out of what little budget, and experience he had. The film moves at a rapid pace which is shot in a hand-held way, giving it that real time documentary effect. Gorak has also done well with the limited setting, using it to his advantage by injecting that feel of claustrophobia. It perfectly captures the frustration and sense of urgency, as events are only shown from Brad’s point of view; this consequently heightens our paranoia as our knowledge is just as limited as his. This is all executed brilliantly in the first act, and is very reminiscent of Paul Greengrass’ United 93.
Then the film falls flat on its face, we are subjected to the couple arguing for like 20 minutes from between a seal in the door. The wife (Mary McCormic) gets even more annoying, it appears that screaming like a banshee and saying fuck a load of times is now considered acting. This seems to be the dilemma with films these day, they start of so intense and exhilarating that they really need to come up with an outstanding second act just to keep it going.
The story becomes lost in the search for a satisfying conclusion, and the characters dissolve into these monotonous narcissists. It is a film that relies on contemporary fears of how an individual or a country might react to terrorist upheaval. Whether it was post 9/11 propaganda or a journey that delves into the human psyche when a loved one is at risk, Right at Your Door was a cinematic clusterfuck. It’s pretty funny how Brad begins to lose faith with the nation at the exact time the viewer has lost faith with the film……aaand then there’s the twist. For a film that relied heavily on character interactions and development, a simple ending would’ve been more poignant. It didn’t really need to fall to mainstream traits (pitfalls). It felt as if it was simply put there in order to recapture the energy that has gradually been lost since the movie started.
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11 Responses to “Right At Your Door - Reader Review”
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This looked to me like one of those indie pics that tries too hard to be cutting edge and hardcore.
Oh wow, whats this? You mean this review was written by a human being? This is amazing. It’s like poetry Ray.
What on earth are you talking about, Essa? I think you need to drink some weaker tea next time.
LOL!!
@ Essa - Thanks for the review. I guess I’ll wait to see this one on DVD. Just stick with tea Essa and stay away from the Jagermeister.
Nice review Essa! Welcome aboard.
Think I’ll wait this one out.
Great review Essa, you’ve definitely convinced me to stay away from this one. Although, the poster pretty much did that for me as well.
Thanks for being so hospitable. Lol, I don’t know why you guys so much stigma.
One day Essa, when The Rec Show rules the Earth, we will remember the British.
Fuck the British. The only worthwhile thing they have done in 200+ years since we overthrew them was create “Doctor Who.”
Oh yeah, and kill Princess Diana.
ahhh ignorance is bliss.