Here Comes Frieda-Review by Jen Bush
When Here Comes Frieda grows up, it wants to be a feature film or a Netflix series. It has everything going for it except for time. Presented by Ripple Effects Artists, this film takes place in a not too distant dystopian future. Superstorms have deluged the world with unrelenting living conditions. There is a glimmer of hope for the lucky Golden Passage ticket holder. It’s a lottery of sorts which would gain the winner entry into a low earth orbit Paradise where you can live a life of safety, beauty and peace. We meet Lily, a blind young lady making it home just in time before Frieda unleashes her wrath on the city. As she settles in for the evening, she listens attentively as the Golden Passage ticket number is read. Lucky Lily played convincingly sweet yet assertive by Ellie Wallwork, begins to pack for Paradise because her number was called. While Lily awaits her passage to Paradise, enter the building handyman Russ played which ample creepiness by Charlie Romanelli, to close Lily’s protective storm windows. As Russ and Lily have an altercation, Yvonne, the spokesperson for Paradise played by Surita Choudhury, comes to whisk Lily away. That’s all I’m willing to give away.
All the elements of this film were flawlessly in place. It was skillfully directed by Robin Takao D’Oench who successfully presented the viewer with a dark, atmospheric, unsettling dystopian setting. The cinematography by Dominick Sivilli was absolutely stunning with sepia tones and dismal lighting which perfectly matched the hopeless mood of the film. The lighting, music, sets and costumes were spot on. The cast of three were a solid bunch with impressive credits. Ellie Wallwork has been on Dr. Who. You might have seen the lovely seasoned Sarita Choudhury in Mockingjay or Homeland. She was an instantly recognizable face. You may have seen Charlie Romanelli on Person of Interest or in other TV shows and movies. This was a finely crafted endeavor leaving the viewer with questions and craving more. I wanted backstories on the characters and the circumstances which brough the world to such danger from storms. I wanted more information about how the mysterious utopian society came to be and who was behind it. I wanted more of a glimpse into Lily’s life. this story by Victor Gallo and David Lavine is interesting and compelling. This has monster potential and is a recipe for success. The ingredient of time is the only thing missing.
Here Comes Frieda is produced by Ripple Effect Artists, Kit Chemistry, Changing Film Productions, and 9066.
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