★★★★★
Directed by: #Joshua Blewitt and #VeltonJLishke
Starring: #Nikki Hellens, #VeltonJLishke, #Danny Shepherd, #conorwise, #Lucimizen
short movie review By: Alexandra James
the family man is a film full of dark secrets, pain and fear. However, instead of a ‘family man’, stepfather and husband Roger is far from the loving and protective figure many of us imagine being part of the family unit. As the story unfolds, we uncover a whole load of deep secrets and threats buried within the house that should remain hidden. Directed by Joshua Beloit and Leton J. Leishek this short was twisty, suspenseful and left the audience speechless after the finale.
the family man Opening up with his wife Jane in a friendly conversation with her neighbor, everything seems relatively normal, until she notices her husband Roger staring out the window at a girl walking down the street. Her face changes completely and she ends the small talk with her neighbor. Roger appears to be dignified and calm, clearly has a loving relationship with his wife and works very hard throughout the day, or so it seems. It was great that this short had constant suspicion around the characters. It was necessary to analyze certain behaviors to build the narrative and keep guessing. It was brilliant that this climactic twist remained a secret until the bitter end, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
The actors fit the character roles perfectly, the audience encountered a stereotypical family circle. Mom, stepdad and daughter in a mood that her parents are embarrassed about. On the surface, they seem ‘normal’ until daughter Claire invites her new boyfriend over for dinner and Roger can’t hide his anger when the conversation turns to the missing girl who’s been making the news lately. This scene turned the entire narrative on its head and raised more questions about Roger’s behavior and this rage that seemed to come out of nowhere. Walton Lishke who played the character was passionate and managed to create this monster with the facade of a kind and loving husband. He added a lot of energy to the film, his presence in every scene definitely made the hairs on my neck stand up, as there was the oppressive anger and hatred inside, and no one was sure when it would explode.
the family man is a great movie with an edge and raw emotion, if you are looking for a pampering and wholesome family movie then this is not the movie for you! This horror/thriller will keep you guessing until the end and focuses on a man battling two personalities, one of which has to stay behind closed doors and never let go!
