Up on the Glass

Up on the Glass is a gripping and masterfully woven 2020 thriller that will have you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. This tense, atmospheric film directed by Kevin Del Principe stars Chelsea Kurtz, Jessica Lynn Parsons, and Hunter Cross. The narrative dives deep into the realm of social class, envy, and repressed ambition, brilliantly embodied by a trio of arresting performances.

The movie centers around Jack DiMercurio (Hunter Cross), a wanderlust-inflicted man whose life is marred by bouts of underachievement and discontent. Secretly resentful of the achievements and possessions of those around him, his inner turmoil fuels the thrilling narrative. Cross delivers an uncanny performance, making the protagonist a fascinating study in the downward spiral and degeneration of a discontented man.

Entwined with his story are the lives of his successful college buddies Andy Shelton (Steve Holm) and Liz Walker (Chelsea Kurtz). Andy, the shining star of their group, lives a seemingly perfect life endowed with wealth, adoration, and a loving wife, Liz. Liz, performed superbly by Chelsea Kurtz, has a restrained charisma and brings complexities to the screen that challenge and provoke viewer empathy.

Adding to the ensemble is Moira (Jessica Lynn Parsons), whose introduction fuels simmering yet latent tensions within the group. Parson's performance is particularly powerful, as she embodies a natural and relatable woman, drawing the audience into her orbit albeit briefly.

After years of feeling on the outs, Jack finally gets his chance to kick back and enjoy some of the goodness that life offers, or so he is led to believe. Invited to spend a week at the luxurious beach house halfway located between the worlds of privilege and mediocrity, we see the vulnerabilities of all characters more clearly.

The beach house, presented as an idyllic paradise, over time, transforms into an eerie fortress of solitude and the stage for nefarious activities. The event's that transpire in the calm but eerie beach house, set by gentle waves and soothing sunsets, soon spiral out of control, leading Jack down a treacherous path into a maze of his doing.

The movie's subtle themes of class disparity and envy are not only thought-provoking but provide a brooding undercurrent to the film's thrilling elements. Jack's dissatisfaction with life and his proactive measures to change it by imposing himself into the lives of those he envies is a prominent theme.

The narrative flow and the pacing of the film are masterly crafted, easily engaging from start to finish. The director, Kevin Del Principe, uses the stunning visuals and a captivating narrative poised between suspense and touch of horror to keep the tension simmering. "Up on the Glass" veers away from your conventional thriller, choosing instead to delve deeper into psychological territories hoping to unsettle rather than terrify its audience. It's a slow-burn suspense that will keep you grounded until the very end.

Ambiguity permeates throughout the film, from character motivations to the strained relationships, and builds a suspenseful atmosphere. The script, penned by Nikki Brown and Kevin Del Principe, is layered and filled with tension, juxtaposing the calm, scenic locales with the disturbing thoughts and actions of Jack.

In essence, Up on the Glass, is a psychological thriller that scrutinizes the human condition when trapped at the intersection of social strata, unfulfilled desires, and manipulated ambitions. It's a film that makes you appreciate the nuances of storytelling in the thriller genre. With every unfolding scene, the audience is kept on the edge of their seats, musing on what comes next, while relishing the engrossing tale. For fans of intense, thrilling cinema with a touch of psychological depth, Up on the Glass offers an unforgettable ride.