Nobody Can Cool (UK DVD)
Chris Barnes
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Starring Catherine Annette, Nick Principe, Nikki Bohm
Directed by Dpyx
Distributed by Left Films
I still get inexplicably giddy when my mitts happen upon an independent film for review. Anticipation, apprehension, joy and downright fear wash over me simultaneously because I know, when done right, budget is no boundary for talent and a great idea. Being a devotee and reviewer of such labours of love, there’s no better feeling than witnessing a financial underdog smash it, but there’s also the awful fact these projects can disappoint rather than satisfy and I’ll have to risk the wrath of the indie horror community I’m proud to be a part of because of a negative review. With this in mind, I’d like to keep my thoughts on Dpyx’s Nobody Can Cool brief.
A bickering couple, Susan and David, head for a relaxing weekend getaway at their friend’s place in the country (although how they intended to relax in each other’s company is beyond me, but I digress). After a tense journey they reach their destination – what should be a remote, empty cabin – only to find a rutting couple in their living room. After an awkward introduction and explanation, Len and Gigi eventually convince their unexpected visitors to stay, despite their instincts telling them otherwise; but the hosts aren’t who they appear to be and soon transform Susan and David’s peaceful plans (and my enthusiasm) into a slow, rather uninteresting struggle for survival.
Crucial to a none to low-budget flick are the characters and the cast charged with bringing them to life. Unfortunately, very little time is spent exploring backstories to endear us to the tale, and each character is obvious and formulaic. The ‘good guys’ aren’t likable enough to root for, and the villains invoke neither offence nor terror. The performers don’t do much to elevate their roles beyond adequate, meaning I didn’t care a jot what happened to them – in fact, I wished for something truly awful to transpire just to pique my morbid interest!
It’s only when Nick Principe is let off his leash to use his huge frame and rough talent that writer/director team Marcy Boyle and Rachel Holzman’s enthusiasm and decent, edgy script shines through. He is the highlight and brings some much needed charm to the production – the rest of the time it appears everybody counts to five before delivering their lines during painfully sluggish interactions, leading to a basic setup becoming drawn out and not interesting enough to hold my attention. The initial sense that the narrative will all come together in the end quickly ebbs away, leaving us with a storyline that meanders along.
While not necessarily unpleasant on the eye, what we’re left with is an overly long, tedious yarn which provides very little reason to compel us to return for a second watch. Though it tries its best to cover many bases in terms of influences and intentions, it regrettably falls short on most fronts.
Special Features:
- Trailer
- Teaser
- Coming Soon
- Drinking Game – Bizarrely inspired by how many times “shut up” is uttered in the film – ironically, a phrase I mumbled as much as anyone during the feature.
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Film
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Special Features
Categorized:Reviews
