Ritual

The mood you managed to create, especially during the last part of the film, was pretty stunning. I remember thinking the sound/music in particular was really intense and eerie and it really drew me in. I can imagine this being pretty stunning in a cinema so here’s hoping you make the final! I don’t think i fully understood what happened in the end, but maybe with another viewing it’ll click. Regardless, i enjoyed the film overall, with some very good acting and production skills on show throughout.

So this is the presumed Wellington winner right? We have an intriguing film, phenomenal sound design, soundtrack, locations, production design, performances, edit, grade and perhaps the best cinematography in the history of the competition. And that includes the year a team shot on 35mm film back in the day.

I loved a lot about this film and the collective 'wow!' in the heats as your stunning drone shots displayed large on your beautiful anamorphic frame was a moment that will be etched in my brain for a very long time to come.

The issue is that for me, whilst the story was captivating and had me at full attention wondering what was going on, it didn't make much sense. It's all there; the tension of a ticking clock and layers revealed as more questions get answered and truths shown or come out.

It feels like it is important that these dramatic questions of worthiness are answered because it will provide our lead with a goal to work towards, and answer questions we as viewers want to know.

But for me, the film doesn't get there. The ending felt heavily indebted to WEAPONS which had released just before this year's shoot weekend and instead I'm left pondering was this actually all about astral projection? Or all in her head like THE CABINET OF DR. CALIGARI? Or something much more sinister like the end of the world? I feel that this was deliberately left open ended and hats off to you will likely result in a lot of recognition come awards time, but I wish that a cohesive ending had given a rewarding resolution after the stellar journey. Because I was left confused and felt it took away from the film that had come beforehand big time.

My last bugbear is the the blindfold that dominates the visual presentation for our lead actress throughout the film. I appreciated the relatable human moments of her being a mum, putting family as the most precious thing in her life. It's just that outside of that it took away our window to her soul. But I get it was to keep things mysterious so will likely work for most.

So yet again Videoshop whilst your story hasn't quick clicked for me I am blown away by your skills as filmmakers so congratulations on making an amazing film that I am sure will do well in the competition.

Video shop at it again. Pulling out the beautiful visuals and stunning production design. Quality assured when this team is at the helm.
with top tier cinematography (let's be honest... this is possibly the best looking film of the comp!) and well crafted sound through out! It ticks the technical boxes like nothing else I've seen.
Is this an alien invasion cult preparing someone for something? or a thinly veiled metaphor about a lady about to give birth? or is she the child inside the womb about to be birthed? I have no idea. Would love to chat with the writers to get a clearer picture of what is happening here as I found the story a bit inaccessible.
(this next line is meant to be a compliment so please take it as such) This film felt less of a short film and more like a proof of concept which would turn into a great feature or series as there is intrigue aplenty. Let's make that happen!!! I'd happily tune in weekly:)

The MOOD is absolutely breathtaking in Ritual. Videoshop are back at it again with a cinematic experience that requires popcorn, a beer and the big silver screen to fully appreciate. This team are masters at their craft. Speaking with people after the Wellington finals, everyone agreed that it felt like a snippet of a feature film. Did it leave you guessing? Yes, a little! Did it make me want to watch it again and immerse myself in a beautiful and creepy world that may or may not contain aliens? Yes! Should you make a full length feature film? Yes! Looking forward to seeing this film again at the Grand finals 🎉