Review of The Signal (2007) by Joe B — 27 Jun 2011

I was introduced to The Signal by a friend who shares a common interest in film and the film making process. He had told me of a low budget horror film on Netflix (a common thread with my last review) and that it had been filmed in Atlanta. As with Monsters, I was initially hesitant to watching it. Finally I gave in and watched it (same day as Monsters, great day of film watching if you ask me). I was blown away. Now many of the reviews will point out that the movie is broken because of a script that is terribly written, a lack of a singular direction (the movie was written and directed by three friends, all of whom direct their respective sections of the film), and bad acting. To all of those naysayers I say you don't know what you're talking about.

The film and probably script is broken up into the tree distinct sections and it all follows one story. It's New Years Eve and a weird transmission from televisions and radios is causing people to go nuts and start killing people in brutal ways. The Signal wakes up one couple who aren't actually a couple. They are actually secret lovers and she has to get back to her husband. He tries to convince her to leave him to no avail. She leaves and he goes after her once the violence breaks out. He can't find her and thus begins out story. The script here is creative and each individual section (dubbed Transmissions) is unique and well written considering how differing they are. Section one is all set up and probably the closest thing to the horror genre in the entire film. Probably the best way to describe it is, the beginning of 28 Days Later that was never shown. It shows the break down in real societal structure and how everything goes to shit. More importantly it sets up the two main antagonists of the film, The Signal and the husband. This section is easily the best of the three setting up not only the entire premise of the movie but also the characters that we will follow. Not only that but it shows a decidedly romantic tone in it's horror. The second Transmission is a completely different beast. It forgoes the horror and turns into a sort of Shaun Of The Dead meets Fight Club black comedy. The violence here is no less intense and the new characters introduced are all likeable and well rounded. Finally the third act and probably weakest ends with things in a somber more dramatic tone. Although the mishmash of tones may turn some off I found it completely fresh. On top of that the characters are all fantastic and the dialogue is brilliantly written and realized.

The Direction from all three directors is something of a joy. The first is directed with a dark, turbulent, and completely intense feeling and is definitely geared towards the horror and slasher fans out there. The second segment is something genius all on it's own. It is shot almost completely in one location and the comedic tone is a breath of fresh air after the brutality of what we just witnessed. The third transmission is the weakest link but it's color palette and use of character driven story telling keeps us grounded and latched on to the story. Without it, the movie wouldn't work nearly as well as it does. Actually that can and should be said about all of the segments, despite their differing tones and direction, none of them would work without the others.

Finally we come to the acting. The acting is especially spectacular for a bunch of unknown actors (have I mentioned how freaking awesome it is that the movie is by Atlanta film makers and actors). The main female played by Anessa Ramsey is fantastic. Her relationship between her lover and her husband is played out so well just through body language alone that even when words are said, that's not what you're caring about. The husband, AJ Bowen, is also fantastic as the bat shit insane antagonist. He really sells the crazy that The Signal is transmitting to everyone. Finally the lover played by Justin Welborne is far and away the best, delivering each line with emotion. His heartfelt performance is the anchor that keeps the movie in place. The supporting cast is all great too and manages to keep the story propelled at it's break neck pace.

There are certainly some detractors but they aren't over powering. The climax of the film is rather... well anti-climactic. There's this incredible build up and then the big fight that we've been anticipating since the very beginning is so well frustratingly underwhelming that it almost feels like it wasn't original ending. Next even though I loved the shift in tones, had the movie stuck with the opening's tone, it would have run a lot smoother for others. Even with these detractors, the movie is one that is blessed with originality, strong acting, and beautiful direction. This is a must see for wannabe film makers and fans of lowbudget horror fanatics.