A disturbed man's descent into self-destruction takes a sinister turn in this raw, uncompromising indie thriller that blends '90s drug movie grit with Dostoyevskian doppelgänger drama.
beat sheet
First-time director Edward Gusts channels the lo-fi expressionism of '70s and '80s indie gems, transporting viewers into the grim, murky world of his deeply troubled protagonist, Nick.
Gusts' assured editing and knack for pacing keep the film's dark, unrelenting exploration of mental anguish and self-destruction from becoming a slog, instead crafting a harrowing, roller-coaster-like viewing experience.
call sheet
Edward Gusts, Nick (Edward Gusts), Cal (Gerard Griesbaum), Susan E. Kelejian, Rick Williamson, Self Harm