Review: Jethica

Text © Richard Gary / Indie Horror Films, 2023
Images from the Internet

Jethica
Directed by Peter Ohs
Visit Films; Spartan Media Acquisitions; Pretty Ideas; Lightbulb Film Distribution; Strike Media
72 minutes, 2022 / 2023
www.strike-media.com

Love-obsessed stalkers fall into two categories: the first is the ex- that cannot accept that it is over, the second is the one who is delusional and believes there is a connection between the two parties, when there is none.

After a 20-questions type prologue that introduces Elena (Callie Hernandez, who has some major credits such as the recent Shotgun Wedding, 2016’s Blair Witch, and Alien: Covenant in 2017), one of the three four characters of the story, we are told the events as a flashback.

Callie Hernandez, Ashley Denise Robinson

From LA, she moves to New Mexico to live in a trailer in the middle of nowhere (near Mountainair). Not even a forest, so this is a cabin in the…desert? The introduction to her domicile there is obviously a homage to the opening of Evil Dead (1981), perhaps signaling to the viewer that something unearthly is afoot. Also noteworthy is a later scene reminiscent of “The Hitchhiker” episode of “The Twilight Zone” (1960, with “The Farmer’s Daughter” herself, Inger Stevens).

New Mexico is a beautiful place. Much of what we see is open fields that go on for miles. It is winter there (hence the coats) in the film, and desolate as you can get. Actually, it reminds me of the Canadian prairies in the spring. There is an old joke that says if you stand on a cigarette box, you can see a dog run away for three days. This is the type of landscape that we see a lot in the film. It makes sense as the backdrop is a symbol of the desolation of emotions felt by the main characters, including Elena’s odd acquaintance, Benny (Andy Faulkner), who looks as windswept as the environment.

Going to get some gas in town, Elena runs into an old California high school mate, Jessica (Ashley Denise Robinson), on the run from a stalker, Kevin (Will Madden), an classmate in college, who keeps tracking her down; it is obvious to see where this is going, but as it is the main focus of the plot and its selling point, I do not believe I am giving anything away here.

At some point, the film takes an unexpected supernatural element that I will not discuss, but it is both disturbing, and yet, amusing (this is a very bleak and dark comedy…when it wants to be that).

The cast and directors are given co-writing credits, indicating that this was mostly ad-libbed around a pre-conceived storyline. Sometimes that does not really work, but in this case, it enhances the experience of tying the story and the language used in a lovers’ knot.

Though there is humor and the supernatural involved, the main word I would use for this is minimalism. The film is shot very serenely, considering the action, and there is a lot of decent dialogue (kudos, especially if I am correct about the ad-libbing). The landscape, which is a character unto itself, is reflective of the pace of the story, wide and vacant, yet poignant.

Will Madden

The same could be said for the excellent cinematography and editing by the director, lovingly showing the beauty of the plains. I moved from the city to the prairies, and its starkness and the quiet nature of the scenery is almost startling.

Equally haunting and understated is the soundtrack by John Bowers, which is subtle throughout the story, lulling and wrapping itself around the action, rather than startling with loud dissonant notes, as in most supernatural films.

What I especially liked was the way the story twists and turns, in ways that are completely unexpected. There were bits I figured out, but it definitely went in a direction that was happily unanticipated. This is also helped by the excellent acting all the way around, especially by the ironically named (to the story) Madden.

There is no blood and gore, little violence, a jump scare or two, and plenty of dialogue, as I said. However, this film is story-based, and it is incredibly enjoyable. The only thing that confuses me is the title; although it makes it easier to look up on search engines.

Considering the small cast, it has a “filmed during Covid” feel, but that could just be my projection. I have stated this before, that my theory is that Covid has made filmmakers more creative by forcing them to use limited interactions and spaces.

Amazing for a release that only cost $10,000. And stick around after the credits.

Available on AppleTV, Amazon, Sky Store, Virgin Media, Google Play and RakutenTV.

IMDB listing HERE