Immortal

Immortal is a provocative anthology film from 2019 that spotlights the compelling theme of mortality, interweaving four powerful and thought-provoking stories that intricately explore the complex landscapes of vulnerability, fragility, and the human condition. This intense drama is directed by Tom Colley, Jon Dabach, Danny Isaacs and Rob Margolies and features a lineup of notable actors including Tony Todd, Samm Levine, Agnes Bruckner, and Dylan Baker.

Immortal seeks to navigate the inevitable, yet dread-filled reality of human mortality in a deeply enticing manner. The movie stitches together an anthology of gripping tales. Each of the stories is dramatically unique yet universally linked by the theme of life, death, and the multifaceted human experience. The movie deftly bridges the gap between light-hearted humor, intense drama, and taut suspense, presenting the concept of mortality through a prism of varying human experiences and emotions.

Tony Todd delivers a riveting performance as Gerry, a seemingly regular high school guidance counselor faced with a sudden, shocking twist. His normal life takes an unexpected turn when he discovers that he's inexplicably and progressively turning into stone. Dylan Baker, on the other hand, portrays the character, Mr. Shagis, a college professor bound by a wheelchair, whose bonding with a student takes an overwhelmingly dark route.

Samm Levine plays the role of Ted, an adrenaline-junky who enjoys jumping off buildings for fun, without consequential damage. His tale is one of immediate thrills, constant danger, and a deep longing for a more conventional human experience. Rounding out the primary cast is Agnes Bruckner, who shines as Vanessa, a young pregnant woman grappling with a terminal disease and the unthinkable choices she must make for her unborn child.

Dabach's screenplay smoothly alternates between these intricately crafted narratives, providing a multi-layered examination of human mortality's broad spectrum. The characters face unnerving, yet poignantly real scenarios, wrapped in suspense, surprise, fear, love, loss, and ultimately, a confrontation with the inevitability of death.

From a production standpoint, the film benefits significantly from Colley, Isaacs and Margolies' adept direction. Each story is delivered with a unique artistic touch that heightens the thematic depth and narrative propulsion. The emphasis on character-based storytelling aids in effectively maintaining investment in each separate plot. The cinematography and sound editing also significantly contribute to the overall atmospheric quality of the film, underpinning it with a sense of tangible realism and suspense.

More than just a dramatic thriller, Immortal is a philosophical journey that eloquently grapples with some of life's most profound questions. It asks, "What does it mean to truly live?" and "How do we deal with the transience of life?". Other underlying themes include existential dread, the unpredictability of life, and the complex dichotomy between life and death.

In all, Immortal stands as a remarkably thought-provoking exploration of mortality, pondering the essence of existence and the profound concepts of life and death. Its narrative strength lies not in grand revelations or shocking plot twists but in its nuanced examination of what it means to be human, to live, and die. It's a movie that leaves its audience to contemplate and reflect, long after the closing credits roll. With its top-tier ensemble cast, compelling storylines, and thought-provoking themes, Immortal is sure to captivate viewers seeking a deep and engaging cinematic experience.