What makes it different from others?

Well Deserved Praise

People are voting emotionally.

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

Good Movie About A Guy Who Is Given A Chance To Find Redemption In His Past And Is Much Too Bitter With Self Loathing To Seek Forgiveness ... In The End Knowing What He Had To Do He Instead Choices To Continue Punishing Himself ... A Very Unique Vision In The Direction And Story Telling Of "Seeking Forgiveness" Everywhere But Within Ourselves ... 72 Minutes Long The Story Never Goes Long Without Reminding Us That While We Want, It Is Not Enough ... It Is Also A Reminder That In The End We Judge Ourselves ... The Movie Does Have A Religious Tone To It But Only A Tone ... Which Makes Understanding What Is Happening In The Story A Little Harder (I Imagine) To Grasp For Those Who Lack In A Strong Religious Understanding ... Michael (Thomas) Is Very Good In The Role Of A Suffering Soul Seeking For Understanding And Yet At The Same Time Denying That Understanding ...

*Potential Spoilers*The Shelter is the feature directing debut from John Fallon and stars Michael Paré of Eddie and the Cruisers fame. It tells the story of a troubled homeless vagrant named Thomas Jacob (Paré), who while wandering the streets of the city drinking alcohol one night, finds shelter in a beautiful empty house. Believing he has struck gold, he finds food, booze, television, and a nice a place to sleep for the night. But something else, something potentially supernatural (or is it religious?) is at work here, forcing Thomas to confront his inner demons in said house. This is a very low budget feature and it shows. Some of the acting is a little on the amateur side and some of the cinematography is a little on the cheap side, emphasis on some. The story is slightly confusing and the film is definitely a slow burn with an artsy slant- so if that's not your scene, you may not dig this film at all. And, to be frank, the opening sex scene initially made me chuckle and the ending did not do it for me for the most part... however credit must be given where it's due: Paré, pro that he is, turns in a genuinely excellent performance here, he was absolutely on point, same with the actress who played his wife (that "are you cheating on me?" scene, damn!). The film has plenty of atmosphere to burn and director John should be given credit for that, some nice mood lighting and shots, there were times I felt lost in the atmosphere which is a big plus. The plot direction was interesting as Thomas was a well developed character, and there were some great scenes spread through, my favorite being the fall from the window, into the water shot; very nice transition. Though the plot eventually didn't end on the right note IMO, and some of the low budget seeped through into the film (whether via acting, some of the VFX, etc.), at the end, I can still say the film showcases major potential for the director. Can't say I loved it, it was inconsistent to be fair... but it has something memorable to it, and as mentioned Paré carries the film well. It also has a short run time at 75 minutes, so it was a painless watch. Overall, you take pleasures where you can get them, and The Shelter has a few to offer. The director has a promising future ahead, and here's hoping Paré shows up in his next film as he was great. *PROS: Some excellent shots, moody atmosphere, interesting lead character, Michael Paré was terrific* CONS: Some awkwardly filmed scenes, a few of the other actors were not so great, disappointing ending, some clumsy dialogue mixed with awesome dialogue* OVERALL 6/10

I was not prepared for this kind of journey! yes, it is not a big action movie, not a blockbuster. so, if you're looking for a typical Hollywood style movie, you may prefer not to bother to watch it. but if you're open minded enough, you're in for a treat for the mind. that's what The Shelter is: a real treat for the mind. it is intense, brilliant, intelligent, and full of emotion... real human emotion. nothing is superficial. Paré is very good. probably his greatest role ever. The Shelter explores the effect of the death on a man mind, who can't deal with the loss of his wife who committed suicide while she was pregnant. He find shelter in a strange empty house, only to face his judgment day. The Shelter is a great movie about death, and its consequences on others.

Please join me as I wrestle with an existential crisis, religious symbolism, Michael Paré and a rotisserie chicken:The Shelter is the debut feature of writer, producer, actor and director John Fallon. It is a psychological and spiritual drama with a brooding horror underneath for good measure. I would say it is the kind of film that explores the kind of themes that would only get made independently, and I say that as a huge compliment. It is one of the many reasons I am glad, as a website owner and movie reviewer, I get to see independent films: for the ideas.It stars Michael Paré who has been garnering an incredible amount of praise for his performance, and rightfully so. It is the sort of soulful, captivating, varied and powerful performance that not only breathes every squeak of life into the script and the premise but also keeps an audience glued to their seat, unable to look away. Good thing too because Paréis on screen the whole time and, for most of it, he's alone.The story of revolves around Paré as Thomas Jacob. He's a drinking, smoking and screwing, down on his luck hobo with twin bags of guilt and self-loathing. Showing up in an unnamed town he drifts from place to place as we slowly learn scraps of his tragic back story. Finally he winds up at an abandoned, new, white, sterile, eerie town house. Once he enters, he is unable to leave and suffers a long a night of soul challenging haunting, visions and dreams. While a little slow and definitely, frustratingly cryptic in places, the movie excels through the lead performance, the direction, the cinematography and the score. Its lush, crisp photography (by Bobby Holbrook), that makes strong use of light and iconography, and Fallon's keen eye for an interesting angle or a curious piece of intriguing symbolism, lends the whole film a rich, disturbing atmosphere.The colour scheme is particularly effective and different. While some scenes feel realistic, others are photographed in cold blues, odd greens and moody oranges. Such thought and attention has been paid to the overall look of the film, which is wonderful because so many low budget productions forget to do so.Keen attention has also, clearly, been placed on which film stock and even which film speed to use, especially during the fantasy segments. There are some very striking and beautiful images contained within the film and the production should be applauded for their cinematic achievements. Although kept to a pleasing minimum, the use of CGI is highly effective also.The score by Shawn Knippelberg is a discordant, moody and different delight! It's never intrusive and always on point, helping and, sometimes, creating the atmosphere of the film. It perfectly accompanies the drama or the delirium as a good score should do. You never quite know where it's coming from, what you're hearing or even what it's being played on and this adds to your sense of unease.Also, the juxtaposition of the re-occurring folk song is perfectly jarring and a confident stroke that could so easily fail and yet here succeeds beautifully.A mention here, too, for the small supporting cast. As I said earlier, most of the film is a one- hander with Paré, who is excellent and not to be missed, but in the few key scenes where he is interacting with, mostly, the women in his life they are all very strong performers and distinguish themselves well. Over all the creative and talented successes in this film far outweigh its weaknesses which, for me, came down to the pacing in some places and the ambiguity of the final act. Maybe I have grown jaded on a steady diet of easily explainable and satisfactorily wrapped up Hollywood fare or maybe I don't remember the religious texts that were drilled into me back in school but I did feel that some of the film's intention and meaning was lost on me.Maybe that was the point. The film is definitely open to interpretation. That is, also, let's be fair, utterly refreshing when compared to other, tried-and-tested, cookie cutter movies. When was the last time you were left asking questions or thinking about what it all means?In my mind the film is dealing with themes and mostly ideas, emotions and experiences that people keep inside, hidden, gnawing away at them, picking at the thread of their subconscious. It tries its best to visualise and manifest feelings of self pity, self doubt, loss, guilt, anger, regret and everything else our, de facto, hero is carrying around with him. Its with this task that I think the film definitely succeeds. It's the religious underpinnings and possible message that maybe was lost to me but this also means the film will hold up, for me, to repeat viewings and finding new things each time. In the end though, having a satisfactory conclusion or all of your questions answered is not what it's about. It's clearly a very personal, intelligent work of art by an emerging, talented filmmaker and an aging character actor showing he has depth and range with challenging material.Everyone will take something different from and everyone will find something they think is enjoyable, intriguing, beautiful and/or sinister. Whatever aspect of the piece grabs you then I guarantee it'll be with you a while. I know, for me, the photography, the atmosphere and some of the images will take a long while to shake off.