I am only giving this movie a 1 for the great cast, though I can't imagine what any of them were thinking. This movie was horrible
... View MoreClever and entertaining enough to recommend even to members of the 1%
... View MoreThe movie turns out to be a little better than the average. Starting from a romantic formula often seen in the cinema, it ends in the most predictable (and somewhat bland) way.
... View MoreOne of the most extraordinary films you will see this year. Take that as you want.
... View MoreThere's a lot that can be said about this film. It's not great, and definitely not without flaws - in some cases, you can poke a hole big enough to sink a small boat. But this is one of the few films that I can honestly say, by the end, I was left reveling in what the filmmakers got RIGHT, that what flaws were noticeable melted into back of my mind. If you want an indie low-budget sci-fi film that doesn't follow the mold, give it a shot. This has the makings of a cult classic. It pays homage to Cronenberg and Lovecraft - not to oversell it, but it's weird and not soon forgettable. You've come this far, so hit the play button.
... View MoreThis ultra-low budget sci-fi horror has a lot of originality put into it and is experimental in the extreme, creating its own world in a very basic environment. Along with this the film leaves a lot of blanks for the audience to fill in about the state of the world and what caused it, but that all works to its credit.One gripe viewers could have is with the editing as it comes across as sloppy and jarring, although this might have been by design, but in either case it takes away from the viewing experience. Also the story, while original, lacks focus and it is easy to get lost in all that is happening. The film also takes very little time to pause and let the audience get to know its characters and so they feel a bit disconnected.Overall this is a film with a lot of good ideas and I hope the writer/director gets to go onto more things as they clearly have talent. With more money and scope this film could have been something akin to District 9, as it is there is a little too much confusion and limitations to be truly great, but it certainly has a lot of potential and for what it lacks it makes up for in originality.
... View MoreI wasn't expecting much from this but was pleasantly surprised, this movie is quite a gem. It's very original and interesting, the pacing is good and the practical effects and CGI are quite competent. Unlike a lot of other indie films in the same budget range it's never boring, and it always shocks and intrigues you into wanting to see what happens next.The characters are very well written and believable. There's a lot of bizarre and frightening things happening, but they seem to accept it all as normal because they don't know any different. They have no understanding of the outside world because they've been isolated and kept ignorant. You actually care what happens to them as their characters develop and they learn horrible truths about their existence.If you like indie sci-fi or horror films you'll probably like this one. It's relentlessly weird and bleak, and it will keep you interested till the end. I will definitely be watching the next film these guys make.
... View MoreFirst off- let me say "What The F@ck?! This is the most wild and twisted exploration into the human condition that I have ever seen, and I loved every bleepin' minute of it! "Exile" is probably the perfect blend of low budget indie filmmaking and science fiction surrealism. Directed by Adam Petke and Sean Blau, although the story's pace and fluidity is so strong that you would think only one mind controlled the direction of this film. A lot of people will push it aside as ridiculous, but to be honest most people will see this film as I did, a true, original, captivating, emotional journey of human suffrage and escapism seen through the eyes of the youth. The story is a moving, disturbing, coming of age in the wasteland that is so stripped down to a realness that is so recognizable and transferable into any genre. It just happens to be framed by a nightmarish, H.P. Lovecraftian form of first contact and the dichotomy of life inside a cult. "Exile" gives a relatable, recognizable premise and brings it into a hellish reality that is beautifully disturbing and effective. The acting is pretty tight on all fronts, the cast are completely immersed in their characters, the script is evenly paced with chilling moments of horror and emotional segments of "life of the children that fall through the cracks". The story moves with a somber beat of loss, despair that develops into determination and self preservation. Not to mention all the "real world" subtext symbolism that permeates this film. The direction Petke takes by keeping the style organic, and personal creates a deeply moving and unsettling reality for the charactersThe special effects is the same concept as films like "District 9" but on a much smaller scale in regards to the CGI elements with the alien creature known as the "Angel". The horror elements, and there are some awesome, dark, gory horror moments in "Exile", stay practical and visceral. There is some CGI blood added during interactions with the Angel, but during the more dramatic scenes between the characters which end in horrific displays of Lovecraft inspired nightmares, the effects and blood are practical ones. The soundtrack, sound effects used on "Exile" blend eerie instrumental sounds of sorrow and loss with added sound effects that are chilling. Together the sounds create a tense atmosphere of suspense that just elevates the emotional and dramatic struggle of the characters into areas of that are more horror than sci-fi. Honestly I would say that "Exile" is a horror drama more than it is a horror scifi blended story. Overall the film is a powerful, indie horror that gets everything organically right. It is honest, compelling, emotional, and entertaining. A truly chilling exploration of the human experience in horrific conditions. A must see film!
... View More