Felt

Felt is a gripping, thought-provoking indie drama that was released in 2014, directed by Jason Banker and featuring the talents of Amy Everson, Kentucker Audley, and Ryan Creighton. The movie delves deep into contemporary issues of trauma, gender politics, and the human psyche, portrayed in a manner that is as harrowing as it is enlightening.

The plot centers around Amy, played by Amy Everson, an artist trying to cope with the aftermath of a traumatic experience. Everson's performance is commendably engrossing, capturing the essence of a woman whose personal and emotional life is marred by her trauma. Recognizable for her peculiar coping mechanism, Amy retreats into a unique world of costumes and personas, distinguishing the movie with its surrealistic tone.

Her art reflects her inner turmoil: she crafts bizarre and grotesque costumes that she wears to cope with her insecurities. The costumes, primarily a direct critique of the patriarchal concepts of masculinity, serve as both a protective shell and a form of self-expression for Amy. These masks and costumes underline the central themes of the narrative, starkly capturing Amy's perspective of her surrounding world.

Kentucker Audley portrays Amy’s boyfriend, a loving yet ignorant man who has an inability to understand or connect with her emotional distress. Despite his attempts to support her, he often ends up unintentionally hurting Amy due to his lack of understanding of the depth of her personal struggle. His character provides a stark contrast to Amy and contributes to the already tense dynamics.

Ryan Creighton, paired with Alanna Reynolds, provides an additional layer of complexity to the narrative by playing friends who are pulled into Amy's swirling world of fear and anger. Their performances also strike a note, adding to the prevailing tension throughout the film.

The cinematography, notably the blend of first-person and third-person perspectives, enable audiences to understand Amy from both an objective and subjective viewpoint. Delving into her artistic releases, Amy's artwork and creations become metaphoric representations of her emotional state - disruptive, disturbing, but unquestionably fascinating.

The movie crafts an entirely distinct ambiance of discomfort and unease, which effectively communicates Amy's experiences and perspective. The narrative doesn't shy away from exploring the harshness of the societal norms and expectations that are thrust upon women, adding a feminist undertone to the story.

Despite the heavy themes and dramatic undertones, moments of brevity surface within Felt, providing nuanced counterpoints to its overall sense of disquiet. This balanced delivery is a testament to the script’s ability to navigate emotional intensity without becoming overwhelming, ultimately illuminating human resilience in the face of trauma.

Felt stands apart in its genre with its unorthodox storytelling, symbolism-infused imagery, and its exploration of pertinent societal issues. Amy Everson brings an intense and convincing performance, her in-depth portrayal of a trauma survivor grappling with the complexities of her emotions and isolation from society. She embodies an essential voice that navigates her struggles with a raw and poignant expressivity.

Beyond a simple drama, Felt subtly raises several critical questions about modern society and its often detrimental effects on the individual. It unflinchingly deals with issues of trauma and recovery, the treatment of women, and the consequences of societal pressures, all within an artistically woven narrative.

Furthermore, the movie also features an avant-garde stylistic approach that complements its subject matter. The unique artistic expressions presented in the film through Amy's persona are haunting but strikingly beautiful, adding to the film's lasting impact.

Felt is indeed an intense, unsettling, and engrossing watch that cleverly merges the protagonist's state of mind with striking visual storytelling. It's not a conventional drama; instead, it offers audiences a deeply affecting window into the inner turmoil of its central character.

It's a film that dares to dive into some of the most essential and divisive issues confronting society today, painting an unsettling portrait of a woman navigating the world after a trauma. From its engaging performances to its powerful narrative and unique approach to visual storytelling, Felt is an ambitious indie drama that leaves a lasting impression.