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Cast: Amy Everson, Kentucker Audley, Brendan Miller, Elisabeth Ferrara
Amy (Amy Everson, A Reunion; winner, Best Actress, Fantastic Fest – Felt) is attempting to cope with past sexual trauma as well as the frustrations of living in a male-dominated society. Psychologically scarred, she attempts to escape via a bizarre emotional catharsis: creating grotesquely-costumed alter egos. When she begins a new relationship with a seemingly good guy, she opens herself up to him – but that vulnerability comes at a dangerous cost, and her alter egos threaten to lash out in explosive violence.
"Felt" tells the story of Amy, a young woman who is struggling to move on from her past which includes being sexually abused. She gets a long well with her female friends but not with the males who seem to constantly belittle her. Amy hides the pain by dressing up in very strange outfits which seems to be her only form of power against the outside world. But things seem to change when she meets a man that seems to really care about her and he even shares a lot of her interests as well. But when she finds out that he is harboring a secret it sends her over the edge.
"Felt" is a very different kind of film. Listed as a Horror/Romance/Thriller but there is also a lot of drama going on as well and nothing really horrifying happens in the film until the very end. The real horror that is on display is how damaged this young lady is and how she attempts to cope with her life. It is sad and disturbing at the same time.
I cannot say I even enjoyed this film. I mean how could anyone enjoy seeing a young woman as damaged as Amy is? The film's documentary style sucks you into her life but I doubt anyone can honestly say they enjoyed the film. As depressing as the film is there are a few funny moments as well which helps to lighten the mood a bit but it is mostly dark and moody. The best audience for "Felt" is going to be the art house crowd but I do recommend watching it as an experience more than anything. I also recommend watching the film because of Amy Everson, this is her acting debut and she gives one of the most powerful performances I have seen this year. She also co-wrote the film with Director, Jason Banker. "Felt" is engaging, thought-provoking and at times shocking. Like I said before this is not going to be for everyone, it is slow moving and it is dialogue and character driven. Some people are going to get bored of it early on but if you are looking for something different to watch then I recommend checking it out.
Available now on DVD, you can order it HERE.
Released by Anchor Bay Entertainment
*** 1/2 Out Of *****