Candlestick

Candlestick, released in 2014, is a riveting indie thriller film that masterfully encapsulates the classic Hitchcockian suspense in a modern context. The film is directed by Christopher Presswell and boasts a compelling cast consisting of Andrew Fitch, Isla Ure, and Nigel Thomas. The entire plot is intelligent and intriguing, placing the viewers on the edge of their seats throughout its brilliant unraveling.

The storyline revolves around Jack, exquisitely portrayed by Andrew Fitch. Jack is a middle-aged, somewhat irritable, yet intelligent man with a history tainted with love, betrayal, and unproven rumors of his atrocious acts. He harbors a convoluted love triangle which includes his friend, Frank, and Frank's significant other, Samantha, played by Isla Ure. Samantha is a compelling character with her unique mixture of mystery and charm, while Frank's character, played by Tom Knight, demonstrates a man troubled by his past and present relations with both Jack and Samantha.

The plot takes a sharp turn when Jack hatches a sinister plan against Frank during an innocuous evening gathering, resulting in a tense atmosphere that continually thickens as the night progresses. Filled with countless unexpected twists and turns, the storyline delves into themes of loyalty, friendship, deceit, and vengeance. Viewers are skillfully led into a maze of suspicions, accusations, and well-crafted manipulation, tying them in a complex web of lies and unknown motives.

Candlestick does an impressive job of evolving the ominous tension steadily throughout the plot. It keeps its grasp on the audience with a relentlessly suspenseful and clever script penned by Forgács W. András. The plot intricacies demand the viewer's attention and quick thinking, making it a genuinely interactive cognitive experience where one must piece together scattered pieces of this mysterious puzzle.

The movie succeeds in painting a picture of strained relationships, undercurrents of unspoken grudges, and masked intentions, all synced under one roof. It sets the eerie aura with its clever use of close ups, inherent camera angles, and a minimalist set that exponentially heightens the atmospheric suspense. The film is shot mostly within the claustrophobic confines of an apartment, giving an intriguing perspective to the thriller genre, emphasizing the character dynamics and their psychological developments.

The ensemble cast skillfully portrays their respective characters, providing depth and layers to their performances. Andrew Fitch stands out with his portrayal of Jack. His performance is remarkable as he walks the line between likable and despicable with finesse. Isla Ure too makes a strong impression with her charismatic and cryptic portrayal of Samantha. Her character is as mysterious as it is alluring, keeping you guess about her true intentions all the way.

Complementing the plot and performances is the movie's aesthetic ambience. The vibrant color scheme and careful shot compositions provide a throwback to classic Hitchcockian thrillers, blending noir elements with suspense. The score by Jonathan Armandary adds to the film's neo-noir appeal and skillfully assists in developing tension and anticipation, adapting to the change of scene and mood perfectly.

Moreover, Candlestick employs an innovative approach to the narrative, using sharp dialogues, strategically placed clues, and escalating tension that forces the spectator to become an active participant in solving the mystery. There's a striking mix of subtle dark humor intertwined with the thrilling elements, which gives the story a distinctive taste.

In conclusion, Christopher Presswell's Candlestick is a gem in the independent film world and a must-watch for all enthusiasts of suspense-thrillers. Its depth-filled characters, precisely paced plot, commendable performances, and dramatic shots set in an intimate location beautifully capture the essence of its genre. A masterful piece of film-making that takes the viewers for an unexpected ride, Candlestick is an intelligent visual essay packed with suspense, mystery, betrayal, and relentless unpredictability serving as a great tribute to classic murder mystery thrillers.