God Don't Make the Laws

God Don't Make the Laws is a 2011 drama-mystery film that skillfully interweaves the emotional complexities of human life with elements of mystery and suspense. The movie's multifaceted narrative revolves around the small town environment of Hawthorne, where time mysteriously stands still following a school basketball team's tragic bus accident. This intriguing premise sets the stage for the various inhabitants of Hawthorne to explore the intricacies of their now timeless existence.

Directed by David Sabbath, the movie places a strong emphasis on character development and unravelling past traumas. The gorgeously shadowy aesthetics illuminate the psychological tension and surreal atmosphere, as this cinematic journey into the heart of Hawthorne unravels on screen. Each character has their own unique journey and interpretations of being seemingly trapped in time, and the affects this predicament has on their lives propels the narrative forward.

Ella Rae Peck puts on a memorable performance as the character 'Angie', who struggles with her personal demons as she navigates life in a town where time has literally come to a standstill. Angie's story weaves the threads of suspense and mystery as she grapples with her personal history and the simultaneous challenges of the town's mystical predicament. Her nuanced portrayal unveils a young woman dealing with deep-seated fears, yearning for redemption, yet ultimately trapped.

Lucas Salvagno plays the role of 'Coach Colli', a hardened high school basketball coach who undergoes his own unique journey. Coach Colli is initially projected as an aggressive, no-nonsense sportsman, but his character unfolds to reveal a deeply empathetic man carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. Faced with trying to come to terms with a tragic accident, his silent, stoic demeanor gradually peels away to expose a man grappling with his role in the tragedy, the isolation of the timeless town, and musing on life's unforgiving twists and turns.

Robert Prescott, as 'Dave Kane', leads us deep into the town's collective trauma and silent despair. With his compelling portrayal of the town's store owner and unofficial historian, Prescott's steady and grounded performance gives us an in-depth perspective on the history of Hawthorne and the timeless crises it faces. Dave Kane's interactions with the rest of the town become the most significant scenes, providing a deeper psychological dive into the town's characters and their relationships with the timeless town.

The unique premise of God Don't Make the Laws is presented elegantly through a narrative that delves into each character's journey. The town itself is an ever-present character, bound in an unchanging state following a tragic event. This timeless element raises philosophical questions about existence, human nature, and what it means when time itself stands still.

The moody, raw emotion of the film is amplified by the atmospheric cinematography. Hawthorne is presented in varying shades of greys and blues, creating an almost dream-like, otherworldly setting that matches the supernatural circumstances. The film effectively uses this visual tone to add an additional layer of depth to the townsfolk's stories, reflecting their stagnant lives and constant internal battles.

In God Don't Make the Laws, Sabbath manages to skilfully craft a narrative that wrestles with heavy thematic elements such as guilt, redemption, and human connection. With the infusion of suspense and drama, it provides a riveting examination of human nature when thrown into the extraordinary circumstance of being trapped in time.

Sporting an ensemble cast of seasoned and fresh faces, this film dives into the complexities of human nature under the unique premise of a place where time stands still. By investigating close-knit community dynamics and personal struggles, God Don't Make the Laws brings forth an intriguing cinematic experience, engaging viewers on a deep psychological level. Enjoy the mystery and embrace the unexplainable in this thought-provoking drama.