Living Things

Living Things, released in 2014 and directed by Eric Shapiro, is an independent film that tackles one of society’s most contentious debates — veganism versus the consumption of animal products. It stars Rhoda Jordan, an accomplished actress known for her roles in Paranormal Activity, and Ben Siegler, an experienced on-screen performer. Hinging on an intense and powerful conversation between two family members with distinctly diverging views, the movie presents an emotional and philosophical exploration that both challenges and intrigues the audience.

The film starts by introducing us to the two key characters: Leo, a die-hard meat advocate portrayed by Ben Siegler and Rhoda, his younger, vegan sister-in-law played by Rhoda Jordan. Providing a familial edge to the issue of veganism, the script employs these characters and their unique viewpoints to tear apart the thin veil that often shrouds this topic in everyday society.

While Leo places his attitude within the frame of natural predation and survival instinct, Rhoda argues passionately about compassion towards all living things and environmental responsibility. This foundational difference in their perspectives sparks a heated debate that is central to the film's narrative, becoming more intense as personal revelations regarding health and wellness factor into the conversation.

Rather than relying on a variety of settings and an extensive cast, the film focuses on the gripping dialogue that takes place primarily within the confines of one room. This directorial choice from Eric Shapiro enhances the feeling of tension and intimacy. Throughout Living Things' 85-minute runtime, we, as viewers, are stuck in the middle -- observers to an intense debate and drawn into a consideration of our own viewpoints on the subject matter.

One of the most striking aspects of Living Things is the depth of emotion delivered by the two actors. Ben Siegler gives a powerful performance showing Leo's stubbornness and strong convictions. Rhoda Jordan, on the other hand, beautifully portrays the compassionate, yet fiercely determined advocate for a cause she wholeheartedly believes in. The interaction between these two characters runs the gamut of intense disagreement, concern, anger, fear, and ultimately, understanding.

The film's narrative structure deftly weaves the social issue into the personal lives of the characters. Leo's and Rhoda's individual background stories are slowly revealed within the dialogue and offer the audience a comprehensive psychological profile to better understand their deeply-held beliefs. In his script, Shapiro doesn't aim to villainize either character, instead, he represents both sides of the argument well, showing their merits and drawbacks.

Moreover, Living Things isn’t just about the debate around vegan lifestyles. It deftly handles broader themes of family dynamics and disagreements, the generation gap, and social conditioning. It provides insights into how deeply ingrained habits can be challenged by new perspectives and how respect and understanding can be fostered in the face of diametrically opposed views. The movie also underscores the power of articulate dialogue and contemplation as tools for negotiation and resolution.

Filmed in a quasi-documentary style with a minimalist feel, Living Things offers no special effects or flashy visuals. The focus remains on the impassioned exchanges between Leo and Rhoda. The minimalistic background score subtly augments the emotionally charged atmosphere.

In conclusion, Living Things is a thought-provoking, dialogue-driven film that provides a thrilling exploration of ethical eating habits and the implications of our daily lifestyle choices. At its core, it is a movie about understanding, conversation, and empathy, with a dramatic argument about veganism forming only the surface. It provides the audience with a platform to rethink their views on the subject matter, without enforcing its own conclusions. The powerful performances by Rhoda Jordan and Ben Siegler serve to sustain viewers' interest, making Living Things a strong contender in the realm of indie cinema.