The Predicament (2023) 💀💀½

The Predicament is an interesting film with equally interesting origins. Created by a pair of anonymous filmmakers who wrote, directed, and starred in their debut feature, the film is presented as a "meta-historical allegory based on actual conceived events". As a production of the fictional Department of Caophonocular Painfotainment, this fictional backstory carries through the credits of the film, leaving us with little information about the cast and crew. With this conceit, the directors demonstrate genuine ambition, although it bears the hallmarks of their being first-time creators finding their footing.

The story is, for the most part, easy enough to follow. However, as a creation of the aforementioned fictional agency, there are portions within the story which feel intentionally vague and strange. The world of the story is slightly off-kilter, making it impossible for viewers to feel wholly comfortable in their understanding of events. While this could easily be seen by some as troublesome, it serves to create a mild curiosity as to the overarching world of the film, and teases at broader events, giving depth to the worldbuilding.

It becomes apparent early on that stage theatricality was firmly in mind while both developing the screenplay and directing the film. Scenes unfold with stage-like pacing, leaving moments of prolonged inaction on screen that would have benefited from tighter editing. Matching the pacing, dialogue oscillates between genuinely compelling dramatic exchanges and rather less polished moments. Still, when the dialog manages to connect, it delivers genuine impact.

The performances in the film vary widely throughout, reminding us that this is not a "professional" production, instead being a very earnest attempt at film making. These occasional bursts of overenthusiastic performances somehow lend the film a peculiar charm rather than undermining it by striking as mugging for the camera. Meanwhile, the costuming shows particular care, and the father's wardrobe choices are particularly exquisite.

Of course, there are flaws, such as those in the sound design, particularly suffering during scenes heavy with labored breathing. But this is a truly amateur production, not the work of film students, or even long-time hobbyists -  just the effort of two friends who set out to make a feature-length film their very first time out. It should be viewed accordingly.

The Predicament sits comfortably above many fan films, showing more care and craft than a number of typical first efforts. While perhaps not ready for mainstream festival circuits, its enthusiasm for its subject matter might find appreciation in specialty venues like the H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival. The deliberate art house styling sets it apart from typical amateur fare, though the glacial pacing and occasional narrative opacity may push the boundaries of viewer patience.

2023 ✶ 77m ✶ Color ✶ SE ✶ Directors: Anonymous & Anonymous ✶ Screenplay: Anonymous & Anonymous ✶ Starring: Anonymous (Son) & Anonymous (Father)✶ Youtube.