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Side Effect

sideeffect20084Review: Side Effect By Brian Kirst

www.sideeffectthemovie.net

Anyone who has felt their gorge rising or realized their blood was spinning strangely after partaking in a new medication will find much to relate to in writer/director Liz Adams’ skillful, ingenious short Side Effect. Adams, inspired by George Romero and Stanley Kubrick, has created a subtle and surprising horror outing with plenty of blood and realistic emotional ramifications as well.

Overachieving babysitter Lauren (a tautly powerful Virginia Newcomb) begins popping a new stimulant while on the job and soon her veins begin to emerge like rotating snakes in a multi-spastic drum circle. Even worse, the fuzzily hyperkinetic Lauren may be putting her charges in horrible danger as well.

Dealing with the proceedings on a humanistic level, the uncanny Adams works with efficiency and skill. She ultimately creates a tale whose surprise ending may leave many aghast and momentarily speechless. Her attempts to appeal above the lowest common denominator reveal her love and enthusiasm for the genre as well. Her finished product hums with haunting beauty and fervent strength.

Working through AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women, Adams is aided measurably on this award winning short (Dead by Dawn Cutting Edge Shorts, German Independence Award) by her enthusiastic crew and with Suzy Cote’s sensual and ultimately anguished acting work.

One Comment

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  1. I interviewd Ms. Adams, saw the film and was gripped byt the ending. This shows how the monster inside can come out or be made by our medicated society, the effects and story creeped me out!

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