This is the type of slow-burn horror movie that relies on excellent storytelling and good acting, rather than jump scares or special effects. A compelling story that hooks you and doesn't let you go.
... View MoreThis movie is about a family who survived an unspecified apocalypse. When Mike is asked, what the apocalypse was, he'll answer: "YOU DON'T NEED TO KNOW!"Early on the Father needs to go out to forage and vanishes. We experience the story through the mother's perspective. She's a woman who's slowly coming to terms with the grim out look of their odds, if her husband doesn't return with food any time soon. At a certain point she realizes that her husband will not return and with food running low, she decides to take charge and go out to forage for food her self. A truly tear jerking scene unfolds where little Riley is afraid that Mommy won't come back either. This is the moment where the 2nd act starts and also the moment that Mike Lombardo gently sticks a dagger into your gut! All the while reassuringly whispering: "Don't worry it will be all right".But you're not going to be all right! Because during the 50 minute or so 2nd and 3rd act. Mike Lombardo will lead you down the garden path, and eventually kick you in the balls! And when you are laying helplessly on the ground, he will brutally yank that dagger up to your sternum. And shooting in your face: "Gotcha you won't be okay! But you probably figured that one out yourself already". Only to turn on his heel and walk off, leaving you in agony.This movie will play with you like a rabid dog plays with it's prey! Don't expect to be spoon fed the answers! Instead expect to be fed morally complex questions that you'll find out what you'd do in a similar situation.
... View MoreI'm Dreaming of a White Doomsday is the feature film debut of writer/director Mike Lombardo. There is an instant feeling of desperation, anxiety and dread from the moment we encounter our family. The writing was extremely well paced and characters were well defined. All of the performances were superb and there was a magnificent chemistry between the actors.This is one depressing film. The fact that it takes place during the "happiest" time of the year is such a brilliant contradiction. The sets are claustrophobic. The outdoor sequences capture a beautiful landscape of wretchedness. This is a low budget film that looks ten times its expense.I'm Dreaming of a White Doomsday is an emotional ride and character study. Without giving spoilers, there is a specific scene that will forever burn in my mind. After the mother makes a touching decision, she leaves the room and leans against an adjacent wall. There is so much emotion to that scene it affects me as I write about it now.There are few films this depressing that I can watch over and over again. Another one that comes to mind is Leaving Las Vegas. Although, they do not share many qualities as a whole they both fill you with an overwhelming sense of sadness. But they also manage to be such beautiful films you cannot help but want to watch them multiple times.Days after my viewing of I'm Dreaming of a White Doomsday an unexpected reaction occurred. Even though I have always enjoyed spending time with family & loved ones, my appreciation of the holidays and ability to spend time with those I love has forever changed. As witnessed on film, doomsday can surprisingly arrive at any time.
... View More10 Cloverfield Lane meets Black Christmas, with a side helping of The Mist. The last four minutes of this movie will stomp your childhood into little pieces. It makes The Road look like a feel good, family film. This movie is so bleak, emo kids could theoretically get more depressed watching it. It really needs to have a series of disclaimers or warnings. For example: If you watch this with your children, DSS should take them from you. Or... Do not watch this with any sharp objects nearby, or while under the influence of depressants. With all that being said, I loved it.
... View More