This indie film, written and directed by Jane Spencer, takes place in a dystopian future just a few years ahead of our own. South of Hope Street, despite its low budget, has a trio of interesting names in the cast with Judd Nelson, Michael Madsen and William Baldwin all featuring in prominent roles.
Denise (Tanna Frederick) sees two moons in the sky, but she can’t get anyone to take her seriously, she is trapped in some kind of Kafkaesque gaslighting situation. In this bizarre film little is as it seems, and there is an over-emphasis on sensible black shoes. What can it all mean?
The film is arranged in named sections, but short of the theme of trying to get away from something, the plot sometimes feel confused. I felt Spencer was comfortable providing strong and varied visuals, and although Frederick is left to physically over-react beyond the limits of the script, her character does convince.
Outside of the sci-fi aspects of South of Hope Street, there is a romantic angle between Denise and Tom (Judd Nelson), a mysterious caretaker who seems to be the calm centre of the storm. I didn’t recognise him at first. It’s been a long time since the 80s.
Resolutely art house and seeking for the cult crowd approval, South of Hope Street doesn’t offer an easy route through its plot. At one point just after the halfway mark, it switches to black and white, but it isn’t clear why.
This is a small film which has taken ten years to plan, finance and finesse. Despite this, some of the acting isn’t that great, and although some special effects give a wow factor, they are few and far between.
It’s a film created with love and thought, but I feel with something of a barrier between those involved and those watching. It will irritate many by being too obtuse while excluding others who see the plot as too simple.
I’m giving it ***.
South of Hope Street has its UK streaming premiere on Amazon Prime (12 Nov) and Paramount + (15 Nov). More details on the film here.