Juncture is a superb, slick little thriller well worth your time.
What if you only had three months to live? For Anna Carter (Kristine Blackport), it's a nightmare come true. Diagnosed with a terminal illness, Anna's highflying lifestyle has come crashing down. Now seeing the world through different eyes and a colder heart, Anna, dispensing her style of brutal retribution, embarks on a personal quest to hunt down various miscreants who have slipped through cracks in the justice system. But with the police closing in - and death knocking at her door - will she be able to complete her plan before time runs out? Only death will stop her.
Mixing genres is always a tricky proposition. Unless it's done just right, films that attempt it usually end up a mess. Enterprising, ambitious director James Seale tries just that with Juncture. The film combines the "What to do before I die/terminal illness" film and the lone vigilante on a quest for vengeance film ala "Death Wish," "Death Sentence," and "The Brave One." Add in a touch of romance and you've got Juncture. Thankfully, Seale does a fantastic job intertwining the different elements and tonal shifts so that it all works quite well.
First and foremost, the film is about the vigilante aspect. The terminal illness is the catalyst though so it is almost of equal importance. The scenes involving the illness work because we grow to care about the main character. Seale and screenwriter Robert Gosnell do a nice job giving background on Anna Carter and presenting a well-rounded character the viewer can identify with.
The scenes of vigilante revenge are what most people who view the film will be interested in. Director James Seale proves himself a sharp director with an eye for style and coherence. The action sequences are impressive in scope, especially considering the film likely had a small budget. What's more, when a chase or fight scene ensues (which is quite often), Seale does a fantastic job of choreographing things so that the audience always has a perfect and exciting viewpoint on the action. Big budget films like the second and third "Bourne" could have used his eye when it comes to making such sequences intelligible.
Speaking of scope, the film tells a story very formidable in this area. The film was shot on location in Chicago, New Mexico, San Francisco, Denver, and Philadelphia, which is a notable feat considering the film's low budget roots.
Of course, a film focused so exclusively on one main character's quest depends a lot on the performance. Relative newcomer Kristine Blackport is up to the task.. Equal parts vulernable, tough, sexy, and intelligent, she does a consistently excellent job. Supporting performances are also decent but make no mistake, this is Blackport's show and she delivers.
Films like this show just how good independent films made on a budget can be. Tense, thought-provoking, sexy, and action-packed, Juncture is simply stellar. Best news: It is the first part in a planned trilogy. I, for one, can't wait for part two!
1 comment:
But, did the it sell? I can not find any information on that area.
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