Hola Dannie aqui,
I have some time between films at Fantastic Fest to talk about director Emma Tammi's film "THE WIND."
It is a terrifying tale of solitude and superstition, two couples in the late 1800's residing on the New Mexican prairies face the day to day trials and tribulations of the American pioneer along with... something else. The first couple Lizzy Macklin (Caitlin Gerard) and Isaac Macklin (Ashley Zukerman) have settled into their recluse lifestyle of quiet isolation only to discover a new couple has moved in a mile away. Emma Harper (Julia Goldani Telles) and Gideon Harper (Dylan McTee) move onto the prairie ill-prepared for the winter steadfastly approaching, and as any good neighbor and Christian would do the Macklin's offer aide in every form, they can abide. All seems reasonable on the western front until the infamous Demons of the American prairie start manifesting themselves in the minds of those outside the human society anchoret, or are the demons really there?
This film was very enjoyable, the set design was right on the nose and handled with great care and respect of the era. The use of sound in this film was highly impressive and at times reminded me psychologically of Roman Polanski's "Repulsion" form 1965, in its unhinging hyper-realism. The cinematography was eloquently handled, and Emma Tammi's direction was illustrative of a young director who is definitely going places. Simple items in the cabins such as the two-period (the late 1800's) quilts utilized give you a sense of the pure intimacy of the day, this combined with the unrelenting winds sometimes howling like a banshee and sometimes a persistent whisper of discontentment envelope you into the mindset of the characters.
Actress Caitlin Gerard as the strongwilled Lizzy Macklin is simply unforgettable. She juxtaposes strength and utter vulnerability in a way comparable to few performances, and she (Gerard) channeled Sigourney Weaver's Ripley just set in the old west, the space of the day! Gerard was magnificent and carried the majority of the film squarely on her two shoulders.
If you have ever lived in a secluded and truly rural location you will understand the horror that is "THE WIND." It has not of yet set an official U.S. release date, but if you have a chance to take a gander at this one, my two cents say do it!
Stay Strong, Live Good, Love Movies!
Dannie aka Pekosa Peligrosa
