Introduction"Below Zero" is a psychological thriller movie from 2011 written and directed by Justin Thomas Ostensen. It stars Edward Furlong, Michael Berryman, and Kristin Booth. The spooky and suspenseful plot focuses on the desperate steps a writer takes to overcome his author's block.
Main PlotEdward Furlong stars as Jack, a film writer who is experiencing writer's block and pressure from his agent for an effective script. To break the block, he locks himself in a meat freezer in an old slaughterhouse under the assistance of the structure's caretaker, Paddy (played by Michael Berryman). Jack is offered an old case file about a lady who was butchered by her partner to use as motivation for his script.
As soon as inside the freezer, Jack starts writing, however as temperatures drop, truth and fiction begin to blur. He experiences hallucinations where he ends up being Frank, the protagonist of his story, and confusion sets in about whether he is Jack composing the story or Frank in the narrative itself.
Secondary CharactersThe other key character in the story is the better half and victim, Penny (played by Kristin Booth). She is brought to life in Jack's hallucinations. Cent turns from a helpless victim into a cunning manipulator who uses Jack/Frank's love for her to her advantage. Jack/Frank oscillates between defending Penny's survival and attempting to kill her, echoing the duality in his own presence.
Michael Berryman as Paddy functions as an anchor to reality, though making things even worse for Jack. He keeps the temperature level below zero, requiring Jack to choose in between escape and continuing to compose his story.
Conclusion"Below Zero" certainly pushes the borders of traditional storytelling to deliver a tension-filled narrative and character development. It has an appealing ending where Jack eventually fights his inner satanic forces, and the lines in between truth and fiction totally liquify. The audience is left in thriller, questioning what is real and what is part of Jack's fractured imagination.
The film is a metaphorical representation of a writer's battle and the thin line in between reality and imagination. The motion picture uses thriller and mental scary components to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. "Below Zero" is an exhilarating cinematic experience that analyzes the lengths to which an individual will go to "discover the story" and overcome writer's block.
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