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Cast: Christopher J. Domig, Lindsay Goranson, Danny Hoskins, Valerie Monique Evering, Zaira Crystal
“Second-Story Man" profiles Arthur, who is trying to balance being a good father and trying to get revenge on the person who killed his wife. The story finds Arthur and Monique two small-time, small-town stickup artists (played by Christopher J. Domig and Valerie Monique Evering) setting their sights on a bank. When Max (Danny Hoskins), a security guard kills Monique, Arthur is left in sole custody of her 7-year-old daughter. Seeking revenge, Arthur moves them into a vacant flat above the one Max shares with his unhappy wife (Lindsay Goranson) and their own small daughter.
"Second-Story Man" deals with a couple, Arthur and Monique who also has a little daughter. They rob small establishments to "put food on the table." Arthur does the planning since he has a bum leg and Monique does the dirty work. When they decide to take on a bigger job by robbing a bank things go wrong and Monique is shot dead by the bank's security guard. Now Arthur is not only looking for revenge but he is also trying to raise the little girl on his own as well.
It's hard to be sympathetic for this couple, after-all they take the little girl with them on their jobs which is a bit disturbing even if she stays in the getaway car with Arthur. To talk about the story too much here would only spoil the film but I can tell you that the film is a slow-burn. It's a character piece about a man driven for revenge against someone that was basically doing their job and the fact that what they were doing is illegal. Once he meets the wife of the man he is looking to kill he begins to fall for her which clouds his mind a bit and gets him thinking about his motives and if killing this man is really the right thing.
The film isn't going to be for everyone, if you expect lots of action and explosions in your movies then I recommend you look for something else to watch because this film is full of drama and it contains a lot of dialogue. I'm not attempting to frighten anyone away from seeing the movie but this is a film that demands your attention and in order to fully enjoy it you are going to have to stay patient. Even though the story is slow it still engages the audience and it gets you involved in the lives of these characters which in turn helps you create feelings for them in one way or the other. I was taken in from the film's opening scene and in the end it was time well invested.
The cinematography is amazing and the scenery is not only beautiful but it's the perfect setting for the story combined with a haunting score this is a well made Indie that looks much bigger than it's budget might suggest. As far as the acting goes there's not one weak link in the film, Christopher J. Domig and Valerie Monique Evering are terrific as Arthur and Monique and Zaira Crystal is an amazing young actress and she does a great job playing the daughter. Danny Hoskins and Lindsay Goranson are also very good as Max and his unhappy wife. In a film such as this the cast is very important and no one disappoints.
In the end I felt the film could of used a little trim job as far as run time goes because it does drag in a few places but over-all this is a terrific feature film debut for Director, Neal Dhand who up till now has only directed short films. "Second-Story Man" is the kind of film that represents the best in Independent cinema, with it's amazing cast and direction the film draws you in, this is a thought-provoking drama that leaves you thinking about it long after it's over.
Available on DVD June 26, you can order the DVD HERE. The DVD comes with Special Features that include:
”A Conversation with the Director” featurette
“Behind the Scenes” featurette
Trailer
The film was an official selection at numerous film festivals and for good reason. This is a film that lovers of cinema are sure to enjoy.
Released by Osiris Entertainment
*** 1/2 Out Of *****