Calico Skies (2017)

Calico Skies Poster

Self condemned to the immense and boundless prison of the Mojave desert, Phoenix leads a life of forced isolation, living by himself in a house as far away as possible from the rest of the world. Phoenix does one thing and one thing only: he digs holes. Every month he digs a hole in the middle of nowhere and buries something. The last stronghold of society stands with the man that frequently delivers his mail. When one day the delivery doesn't happen by the hand of his trustworthy mailman, but by that of the beautiful and quizzical Ariel, Phoenix's life derails in an escalation that leads him to dangerous consequences which will be impossible to escape.

Introduction
Launched in 2017, "Calico Skies" is an effective thriller/drama directed by Valerio Esposito. The film delves into the intricacies of human relationships with a deep concentrate on domestic abuse and immense regret. The motion picture features a fantastic cast consisting of Tom Sizemore, Christina Bennett Lind, Vincent Pastore, and more.

Plot Summary
The story focuses on the main character, Phoenix (played by Tom Sizemore), who is an aged and washed-up alcoholic living a separated life in the Mojave Desert. His only companion is a gun that he considers his 'life partner.' Phoenix fights alcoholism and deals with the guilt of an incident from his past. This buried event starts uncovering when his young and gorgeous better half, Aggie (played by Christina Bennett Lind), shows up in his life.

Their relationship is a disorderly one, filled with violence and torture. Aggie turns out to be manipulative, violent, and uses Phoenix's regret versus him to establish dominance. Phoenix's failure to safeguard himself and carry on from his past appears to sealed his fate in their relationship.

Character Analysis
Phoenix as the protagonist depicts a character loaded with shame, guilt, and regret. His tragic past sends reverberations towards his present, affecting his mental state and pushing him towards a self-destructive course. Sizemore brilliantly depicts the character's chaos and despair, making the audience supportive towards Phoenix regardless of his flaws.

On the other hand, Aggie, played by Christina Bennett Lind, is similarly engaging. She is Phoenix's spouse, appearing innocently stunning, however acting violently, mostly due to her desperation to leave the desert. Her character becomes significantly darker, as she plays Phoenix's regret versus him, utilizing it for her own benefit.

Instructions and Performance
Esposito's direction develops a suspenseful atmosphere throughout the film, keeping the audience on their toes. He masterfully links the underlying styles of domestic violence, guilt, and redemption into the story without losing the thrill and strength of the film.

Tom Sizemore's portrayal of a guilt-ridden, alcoholic individual is deeply impactful. He effectively highlights the emotions of despair, regret, and fear through his nuanced efficiency. Likewise, Christina's representation of Aggie is engaging, revealing the tragic truth of victims became abusers.

Conclusion
"Calico Skies" demonstrates the extreme effects of the past on the future, the intricacy of violent relationships, and the problem of escaping one's regret. While the movie is a thriller, it also has a deeper, thought-provoking message about mental health and domestic abuse. Nevertheless, it finishes up with a ray of hope, recommending that it's never too late to conquer one's fears, resist, and discover liberty. It proves to be a gut-wrenching exploration of character and conscience, beautifully recorded within the disquieting landscapes of the blazing Mojave desert. To conclude, the movie "Calico Skies" bears gripping performances, a strong storyline, and a thoughtful instructions, making it a must-watch for anyone who appreciates depth and intensity in film narratives.

Top Cast

  • Tom Sizemore (small)
    Tom Sizemore
    Phoenix
  • Christina Bennett Lind (small)
    Christina Bennett Lind
    Ariel
  • Vincent Pastore (small)
    Vincent Pastore
    Vincenzo
  • Kiowa Gordon (small)
    Kiowa Gordon
    Bamboo
  • Robert LaSardo (small)
    Robert LaSardo
    Macarena
  • Charlotte De Bruyne (small)
    Charlotte De Bruyne
    Charlotte
  • Malcolm Barrett (small)
    Malcolm Barrett
    John
  • Marco Khan (small)
    Marco Khan
    Khan