MicroCinema Scene

Confinement is a top-notch microcinema sci-fi action version of the classic tale The Most Dangerous Game, where humans become the hunted.  Written, directed and starring David Stewart, the finely crafted script, co-written with Eric Thornett, who also helms the jobs of Cinematographer and Fight Choreographer, weaves a twisting and fast-paced plot.

We follow our lead protagonist, Peter, played by Stewart, who wakes up to find himself alone in the middle of the forest.  We join him in his journey as he tries to uncover where he is and how he can get home.  He later befriends a fellow captive, played well by Bette Cassatt, and together they overcome numerous obstacles in attempts to secure their freedom.

What’s great about the story and the ambition behind the project is that there were many points during the film where I felt it had reached its creative apex, only to be outdone in the next scene.  The story successfully builds upon itself, each character, each step in the journey, leading to a very satisfying climax.  They also do a wonderful job of realistically utilizing the surroundings to incorporate them into the story with caves, tree forts, traps and hand-fashioned weapons.

Considering the financial limitations facing the filmmakers, they create a unique world where you accept it as real and this allows you to become enveloped in the story.  So few microcinema efforts of this scope are able to achieve what they set out to do.  Confinement is one of the rare exceptions to that standard.

That’s not to say that the film is flawless.  It is a microcinema effort, after all, so there are challenges with special effects, sound effects and the acting is weak at times, but the energy of the film masks most of its sins and the fight sequences are excellent for a project of this level.  The fights, choreographed by Thornett, are tightly fashioned and fast-paced and the stunts are excellent, generating true moments of real excitement.  Stewart and Thornett have an excellent eye, finding numerous unique locations, framing shots nicely and editing is a brisk immediacy.  The score, also composed by Stewart, adds greatly to the mood and urgency of the piece.

It would be interesting to see how more effective Confinement could have been with a greater budget.  Stewart and Thornett don’t use their financial limitations as a crutch, however, they simply throw enough raw energy and creative force at the challenge and end up with a very good film.

Four Stars.

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