THIRD CONTACT is your usual indie thriller, with a few good ideas but a distinct lack of budget which means that they never come to full fruition. This one's British and was shot in black and white with plenty of style, which gives it some film noir pretensions. The plot takes the form of a slow moving mystery which the main character uncovers one piece at a time, but the whole thing is uninvolving and just lacks pace and effort. The most annoying part is that this did have potential, and might just have been something good with the right resources.

My path through time is mercilessly fixed. I cannot change course to escape the memory of the pain I have caused, the chances I have missed, the regrets that are directly behind me. I cannot bring back what – or who – has been lost. I cannot linger interminably in the sweetest of moments. But sometimes, how I wish that I could.This is the longing explored by Third Contact, the new film by Si Horrocks. Yes, it was made on a shoestring budget, but this film needs no special pleading. Photographed beautifully in black and white, and with a thoughtful, un-showy yet emotional performance by Tim Scott-Walker, this film will challenge you, and it will richly reward your attention.It's been two weeks since I've watched the film, and it has crossed my mind daily. I would say the lingering impression is not of a psychological thriller or a philosophical treatise (though those aspects are certainly present), but of a poem. The human note Third Contact strikes is clear and true. I found it a melancholy film to watch, but what was left for me afterward was like the photo negative of that: a powerful impression of beauty and happiness in small moments, and unexpectedly but wonderfully, a profound affirmation.

I had the great pleasure of viewing this amazing little title after a seemingly random invitation via Twitter.The one constant that I have read online and personally experienced is what a surprisingly polished looking (and sounding) final product Horrocks has produced. Anyone who isn't an avid fan of micro budget indie film will be the first to tell you digital video doesn't look professional and is distracting. I tend to agree. I can't usually get absorbed into films like Inland Empire simply because of the format they are shot on. This is where Horrocks has done something rare and spectacular by making his budgetary restrictions really work for him. From the opening scene the film is instantly engaging and enthralling. The subject matter is challenging and not for everyone but rewarding nonetheless. The locations all look hauntingly familiar and yet skewed, like a bizarre dream. The score is superb and didn't rely on bombastic fanfare to elevate every key scene. The cast, especially Tim Scott- Walker did a fantastic job with the complex material and should be applauded for making some of these odd-ball characters so believable. There were a couple of lines in places with slightly clunky delivery but beyond that, I cannot find fault anywhere. Would it have benefited from having a much larger budget? Probably but It wouldn't make it any more or less watch-able. It's refreshing to see a director proving that buckets of cash aren't necessary to make a brilliant film, just a great story and a dedicated cast/crew.This is a definitely a director to watch out for. I imagine he could continue making little indie gems like this or move seamlessly on to big productions like Lynch or Nolan. I highly recommend anyone who loves film to seek this out.

I usually go to big budget movies with low expectations and more often than not, those expectations have been well justified. Conversely, I always have higher expectations of low budget indie movies because from my experience the independent filmmaker is working primarily out of his/her love of the movie making process which usually (but not always)results in Art.When I first saw the Youtube trailer for Third Contact I was immediately captivated and suspected that I might be in for a treat and couldn't wait to attend the London Premiere on the BFI IMAX screen. I did attend and was not disappointed. I usually judge movies, not by any deep analysis but by the initial impact the movie has on me after the credits have gone up. Hiroshima Mon Amour, Woman in the Dunes, La Jetee and more recently Primer have all made deep impressions on me. I can now include Third Contact in that list. I really, really want to see this film a second and third time. My most recommended for 2013 thus far!