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Cast: Erin Breen, Deneen Melody, Daniel Kuhlman, Tom Lodewyck, Anthony Fleming, Celeste Williams, Valerie Meachum, Sean Bolger, David Goodloe, Thurston Hill, Sheri Savage, Stephanie Andrews, Marla Seidell, Jay DeLaRosa, Ann Marie Boska, and Brooke Lodewyck.
Through Lilly's (Deneen Melody) eyes, the world is a dark but beautiful place, where she and her sister, Rosalyn (Erin Breen), live happily in the heart of an enchanted forest. In reality, however, each day is a battle for Rosalyn, who has been forced to take up prostitution in order to provide for herself and her delusional sister and simply pay the rent for their inner-city, tenement apartment.
An odd twist of fate brings an unlikely ally into their lives, in the form of a local drug addict (Daniel Kuhlman). Together, they form a plot against a vicious crime boss (Tom Lodewyck); a plan that will either lead to their salvation or their doom.
First of all I would like to thank Deneen Melody and Dan Kuhlman for giving me the opportunity to check out their new film. Rose White is a cross between “Snow-White and Rose-Red” by the Brothers Grimm, the story was developed by Deneen Melody. The story is about two sisters, Rosalyn who must go out into the city everyday as a prostitute in order to take care of her sister and herself while her sister, Lilly stays home with their sick, bed-ridden mother. Rosalyn sees the world as it is, a ugly rat race while Lilly sees it all as a fantasy world that is as dark as it is beautiful. While reality and fantasy certainly blur the story remains the same as the two sisters struggle to make it through each day.
To talk too much about the story itself would only ruin what is one of the best films I have seen in a very long time. The reality setting is a harsh look at those that have a tough time out in it everyday but the fantasy setting is one that is so beautiful it simply takes you and puts you right there among all the beauty of the forest. As I mentioned before the film is based on Snow White and Rose Red but it also has a very different and original take on the both of them. The story immediately grabs your attention right from the start, it is mesmerizing and captivating and you can't take your eyes off the screen.
I already knew the film had a lot of talent both in front of the camera and behind it but this is a film even I was taken back back by.
The entire cast did an amazing job but I want to point out a few that really stood out. For starters Erin Breen is incredible as Rosalyn, her beauty is only matched by her tough nosed performance. Deneen Melody is a talented actress I have had my eye on for some time, literary. She is so talented and her beauty is eye-popping. Her beauty and grace make her a part of all the enchantment of the forest. The film also stars Daniel Kuhlman and his performances as the local drug addict/bear is nothing short of spectacular. Done on a limited budget this 32 minute short looks like a million dollars, breath-taking cinematography and a score that haunts you long after it's over are only two of the reasons why this film is so special. It's a dramatic and suspenseful masterpiece that needs to be seen.
If you haven't guessed by now I was blown away by this film and left wanting more, I would like to say I would love to see the story as a full-length feature film but it's perfect just the way it is. Written and directed by Daniel Kuhlman and co-directed by Brian Kilborn, what tremendous talent these two men have in film making, I really look forward to seeing what they come up with next but for now I would like to revisit Rose White again. The film is now making the festival rounds, if it's playing near you run don't walk to see it! The film has plenty of imagination and grit about it that has you clinging to your seat the entire time. Hats off to everyone involved in making this instant classic and I feel honored to have seen it.
Released by Breakwall Pictures, LLC and Tinycore Pictures, LLC
***** Out Of *****