Medias Res

Medias Res is a thought-provoking independent film from the year 2017 featuring talented actors such as Delaney, Sarah Coykendall, and Joseph Mason. The movie, in the tradition of gritty crime dramas, presents a raw depiction of life on the fringes of society. It's a combination of mystery, drama, and urgency that tells an intricate story, cleverly contrived within 24 hours. Despite being an independent production, it boasts a quality performance and a professional technical approach that rivals many big studio productions.

The storyline revolves around Dave, portrayed by Delaney, a petty drug dealer in San Francisco's Tenderloin district. At first glance, it may seem like a familiar narrative of a man living on the edge. Still, the filmmakers have skillfully layered the storyline to avoid clichés and portray an honest, moving depiction of life in a rough neighborhood. Dave's life is largely about surviving one day to the next, which, for him, involves inconsistent, perilous livelihood teetered on the edge of simmering triggers and the innate need to get by in life.

Enter Sarah Coykendall, playing the role of Jennifer, a reliable and steady fixture in Dave's world. As a long-suffering love interest, Jennifer adds a much-needed humanizing element and emotional layer to the harsh realities of the environment around her. Her character is multifaceted and her performance adds a strong emotional depth to the plot, as her own struggles intertwine with Dave's life.

Joseph Mason steps in as Pawel, a seemingly abstract character that introduces a significant turn in the overall undercurrent of the narrative. As the plot continues to unravel, the audience will find themselves on the edge of their seats as the characters’ fates start to intertwine beautifully and ominously.

What sets Medias Res apart is its unusual structuring that resists the regular linear narrative form. Instead, the events within the movie are played out in 'medias res;' a narrative style that starts in the middle of the story with previous events revealed through flashbacks and personal recollections by the characters. This approach keeps viewers intrigued, making them piece together the storyline while becoming more engrossed with the characters. This method also provides an engaging take on how these characters’ lives are in constant motion, and how their past, present, and future are interconnected.

The intelligent use of the film’s setting, San Francisco's Tenderloin district, adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative. From dark alleyways to the crowded, bustling streets replete with encounters fleeting, aggressive, and compassionate - the city becomes an unspoken character of its own in the film. This raw portrayal adds a gritty realism that complements the actions and decisions of the characters.

Director and screenwriter Michael Smith demonstrates an extraordinary ability to tell a rich, nuanced narrative within a relatively short timeframe. His innovative cinematic styles blend seamlessly with the narrative, immersing viewers into the world that Dave inhabits. The intense performances by all three actors breathe life into a tale that showcases the palpable sense of tension and desperation.

The film’s cinematography, employing an unsaturated color palette and rough, raw camera handling, adds a visually compelling dimension that reflects the narrative's themes and mood. The seamless editing rhythmically ties the events, characters, and emotional transitions together, giving the film a coherent albeit non-linear narrative flow. Additionally, the film scores with its minimalist yet impactful music, enhancing the mood and tone.

Medias Res is undoubtedly an engaging cinematic experience that draws viewers into the heart of a tumultuous, gritty world, seen through characters trying to make to the next day by any means. It doesn't shy away from presenting the bleak details of the lives of its characters and instead handles them with a raw honesty that's hard to come by these days. It is a genuine exploration of lives on the edge told through a combination of impressive performances, robust storytelling, and innovative filming techniques. This film is a testament to overcoming the constraints of independent filmmaking and bringing to life a story that's heartfelt, tension-filled, and ultimately memorable.