Before I Disappear is very interesting. Having never heard of the short film it was based off of (titled, 'Curfew'), I stumbled upon it one day on Netflix, and watched the hour and a half it had to offer. For what it was, it was one of the most intriguing independent films I've seen in a long while. The film centers on Richie, who is supposed to take care of his sister's daughter, and, without saying much, the movie ends up delving into some pretty dark themes I never expected to be explored, but, were very well presented and executed. Alongside the themes, the story is also quite well presented and written. However, as sad as it is to say, there are some plot holes from here to there, which kind of drag down the movie if you actually think about them. Plot holes or not, one thing stood clear to me throughout the hour and a half 'Before I Disappear' had to offer: the characters were VERY, VERY well written, and mostly believable. Sure, some of them seem a bit rushed, and forgettable, but, I thoroughly enjoyed the characters, nevertheless. Also, Ron Perlman was AWESOME in his role, and, although I've never really seen the actor in any movies or TV shows AT ALL, his performance in this film has convinced me more than enough that he is fairly decent at what he does.Overall, I really enjoyed Before I Disappear, and despite some plot holes, this has to have been one of the best independent films I've seen in quite some time, that's not a comedy. 88/100

I stumbled across it on Netflix, not expecting much, and was wildly surprised. It's beautiful and very well written and executed. A gorgeously poignant mood permeates the piece throughout, creating a near perfect setting. What could be a timeless story has just the right amount of contemporary sheen and grime and it delivers charm, heart, tears and pain all in enveloping beauty. Well directed, well shot and acted; just lovely really. If you can relate to equal amounts of hopelessness, depression and the blissful joy of life, you'll love this. What a gem by this new filmmaker. No gunfights, no car chases and no explosions, true. It was all done with an engaging story, cast and setting. Nicely sprinkled doses of subtle dark humor are also used just when they're needed. I love this film.

It's quite refreshing to watch a movie that holds the viewer's interest with story, characters, chemistry, and real life issues without resorting to gunfights, gratuitous violence, sex, or heroes. There are no heroes in "Befoe I disappear, and why should there be, when the real world does not really have heroes, either? A group of people, all of whom with serious flaws and real-life issues, interacting with each other in situations that are not cookie-cutter'd or neat, can be a fascinating yet frightening thing to behold, as in this movie. Yet, there is just enough of humanity and hope in each of them to deserve rooting on by the viewer. Nobody in this movie is perfect, and nobody is beyond even a little hope, just like us in the world at large. Fatima Ptacek is a crack of sunlight shining through the dark, damp corners of the world in this movie, reminiscent of Natalie Portman in "Leon: The Professional," although "Before I disappear" is far more cliché-free.

It's becoming increasingly harder and harder these days to find films in the theater that stand out and really make a memorable impact. This gem of a feature, expanded from an Oscar- winning short (Curfew), makes that rare leap from one form to another without losing its magic. Although I knew the basic story since I had seen the short, I was pleasantly surprised by the whole of this film - compelling characters (not just the amazing leads (Christensen, Ptacek and Rossum are perfectly cast), but even supporting ones), unexpectedly funny, the MUSIC!!, the tone/color/cinematography, and of course, the story itself. All of these various factors melded together into that rare magical alchemy that produces the perfect film. I would love to delve into more detail here, but don't want to spoil anything. Christensen is obviously one to watch for. I am in awe that he wrote, directed and starred in this project, and am already looking forward to his future work. Much respect.