INDIE REPORT – HELLO FOREVER

INDIE REPORT – HELLO FOREVER

Hello Forever

***

Review by Justin T. Bowler
@IndyFilmTwittic

“Hello Forever” is an ambitious and subtle undertaking by filmmaker Peter R. Kirk.

Set in the world of prostitutes, and told almost entirely in flashbacks or documentary style, this film is based on true events and centers around a police investigation. IMDB lists the plot as: “Four courageous women are faced with the harsh realities of poverty, prejudice, and corruption.” Though that doesn’t really give you a set up, it best describes this type of artistic drama. If the IMDB tag line draws you in, then this is definitely your type of film.

While the film is not without the problems typically faced by many indie filmmakers, there is a lot of gold to be found here. Never apologetic in its style or pace, the film caters to the nuances of the characters and their struggles. Some call this slow, but, arthouse fans, Kevin Costner and I, all call it daring and subtle. Peter R. Kirk directs us to the smaller moments that add up to the whole (his film should be looked at as a summation of work and not as a deconstructed system) (But, as a reviewer, I need to break it down into those smaller parts) :). The cast is good with a few standouts in major and minor roles. Specifically, Jennifer Blair-Bianco and Rebecca Khoo deliver some very nice moments. The score is simple and effective. The soundtrack is quite good, approaching the appeal of “Garden State”. The cinematography is great (it might be the star of the production). Noel Teehankee and his co-cinematographer, Alex Espartero, have created shots that are dynamic where the colors absolutely pop. The lighting design is quite impressive for an indie. Actually, it is quite impressive for a studio feature. If they didn’t put money into it, it certainly looks like they did (Indies often go for a “real world” look for a lot of their shots. That typically translates into “We have a very small lighting package” and “We won’t be doing any color correction”. That is not the case here). So many shots are just beautiful. Overall, this is a well-produced and nice arthouse indie drama. Fans of this genre should definitely seek it out and embrace it.

3 out of 4 stars (for indie film fans)
3 out of 4 stars (for arthouse drama fans)
2 out of 4 stars for the masses (but who cares about those people?)

Your Indie Film Reviewer,
Justin Bowler
@IndyFilmTwittic
@JustinTBowler

“Hello Forever” Official Page
Helloforever.com.au