Review of Sympathy (2007) by Jason D — 13 Apr 2010

In the HIGHLY unique and original Sympathy, we are quickly introduced to reckless bank robber Steven Pritchard, whose just arrived at a seedy motel room alongside new-found hostage Marina Shtelen. The two hole up in the room for the night, and already they are at each other's throats.

It's not long before another mysterious person joins their motel room; escaped convict Aaron Boucher, whose much more sinister and darker side takes over and forces an every man (and woman) for themselves dilemma.

For the duration of the film, the three play several mind games on each other, leading from one twist to another, thus ultimately resulting in no one really being who they seem to be. First off, Sympathy is a TRUE, fantastic venture into low-budget filmmaking.

Thought it's confined to three simple actors in one single location throughout the entire movie, it doesn't stop the movie from being 100% intense and suspenseful (a la Hitchcock) the entire way through.

Kudos to the three actors for (gasp!) turning in top-notch performances, as well as clever, professional direction from debuting director (would've never guessed) Andrew Moorman. Great job to script writer Arik Martin, whose clever adaption of his play is tough as nails and carries over onto film very well, in fact, MUCH better than the somewhat similar play-to-movie set in a motel room "Bug".

I fully expect to be hearing great, great things about these 5 extraordinary people. I strongly urge anyone in the mood for a smart, psychological horror/thriller to check out Sympathy. Definitely NOT recommended for morons.