Reflections (2008)

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

Pretty good movie overall. First half was nothing special but it got better as it went along.

By the time the dramatic fireworks start popping off, each one feels earned.

While it doesn't offer any answers, it both thrills and makes you think.

What you'll want after seeing "Reflections" is more. This short film is a tantalizing tease for a longer treatment -- a full length feature or, better yet, a television series. It's a psychological thriller and murder mystery in which a young woman sees images in mirrors. The images relate to the room, or the people in it... or do they? James Morrison and Louis Lombardi give solid performances; Matt Long and Jim Beaver are perfect focal points of tension. However, the star of this piece is Adrienne Wilkinson -- her performance is delicately layered, slowly peeling away the fragility of her character but never making her seem weak, or a victim. While her suffering is painful, her performance is unforgettable. It might sound trite, but it brought Heath Ledger's performance as the JOKER to my mind. Hard to watch, but brilliant.

Superbly original and thrilling, this film tells the story of Carol, a young woman with a unique ability—- she sees the haunting reflections, mainly of things past, in mirrors playing out like a twisted video recording.Director Barry Caldwell does an amazing job of weaving together the complex storyline into a cohesive and highly enjoyable film. Through clever editing and the use of subtle foreshadowing, Caldwell effectively conveys to the viewer Carol's sense of isolation and loneliness.Adrienne Wilkinson is amazing as the emotionally crippled Carol, whose deep mistrust and fear of others prevents her from establishing meaningful connections with those around her. Carol's emotional torment over the disturbing reflections she sees in mirrors is more than effectively conveyed by the way in which Wilkinson carries herself as Carol: shoulders hunched, eyes always to the ground, never truly connecting with those around her. Wilkinson's eyes force the viewer to share in the sadness and distress Carol's unique ability brings about.With a surprise ending sure to make you gasp, this short film is every bit as good as (if not better than) the feature length thrillers being released by major studios. You'll never look at those around you in the same way after seeing this film.

One of the first things that should be said about "Reflections" is the uniqueness of the concept itself. Carol looks into any reflective surface, and she sees the worst thing that surface has seen or will see. Anywhere she looks, she is assaulted by horrors. Mark Garbett has managed to find a new spin on the 'cursed by a gift' theme, and presents it in a manner that hits the viewer instantly and brings them into Carol's struggle.Beautifully executed by director Barry Caldwell, "Reflections" is haunting, touching, and thrilling, delivering a powerful film that takes the viewer into Carol's pain, while also delivering a surprise thriller. It's easy to see how easily this film will develop into a feature, even more fleshed out and powerful.It's also impossible to not love a movie that delivers an unexpected ending, which is always a rare treat.The film is carried further with a stellar cast. Adrienne Wilkinson plays Carol, reflecting the character's entire journey in her eyes. Adrienne possesses the ability to tell Carol's entire story in her eyes - everything is there without needing a single word. Every actor is worth noting for what they brought to their roles, regardless of the size of the role. The cast elevates the already amazing work of the crew."Reflections" is most certainly worth making the effort to see - several times! An exceptional film.

Saw an industry screening of this film this past weekend. Had no idea what to expect. i loved it enough that I wanted to leave a comment about it. I saw it in conjunction with several other projects and Reflections blew them all away. I have no idea where you can see this film, but if you hear its in your area - get in line to see it! Somehow the film managed to be creepy but reassuring. It was frightening but empowering. And it really made me think. I was so surprised by such a stellar cast in this little gem of a film. How did they find so many talented actors to participate? The best part is the ending. I won't spoil the surprise by saying in detail what happens - but lets just say that it gives me shivers down my spine to think about it now. Great movie!