By: debbie lynn elias
Sarah, Abby and Lou – three best friends, two on the outs, come together for a girl’s weekend on the coast of Maine on an island called BLACK ROCK. Putting aside their differences to take a trip down memory lane and reclaim the bonds they once had, Sarah has organized the entire weekend on this “deserted” island. Armed with canned goods, candy bars and Jack Daniels, the girls are gonna rough it while reminiscing and going on a hunt for their old childhood fort and a time capsule they long ago buried. What they don’t count on are three war veterans recently returned from the Middle East who are on a hunting expedition of their own. Cozying up around a late night campfire, things get a little too friendly between the seemingly happily married Abby and one of the men, leading to disastrous results with the girls fighting for survival.
Written by Mark Duplass based on an idea by wife Katie Aselton, BLACK ROCK is Aselton’s sophomore directing effort as a follow-up to the comedy, The Freebie. Anything but a comedy, BLACK ROCK demonstrates Aselton’s keen visual directorial eye. Together with cinematographer Hillary Spera, she plays with the camera and visual angles, utilizing the often forgotten art of the dissolve to wonderful effect. A simple but elegant technique, I am thrilled to see her extensive use of it as it adds a quiet calming note to the film while capturing and celebrating the juxtaposition of nature’s serenity against the violence of humans unfolding. Beautifully executed contrast. Kudos also to Spera who handles the lighting of Maine with artistic deftness, clearly understanding the interplay of light with trees, leaves and water. On the whole, the technical elements are far superior to somewhat hackneyed dialogue and dated nubile female horror ideology which is surprising with Duplass as the screenwriter.
While not an original story concept (six person mainframe, women in peril trying to survive a la The Descent) and despite some poorly crafted dialogue, the situations created instil a palpable sense of peril. Although fighting for their lives, the women are not all “buff” and “bold” but rather vulnerable and average, using intelligence to be smart and resourceful (we’ll forget the fact that when trying to hide from killers, constant loud talking is not the smart thing to do).
The jury’s still out on the believability of trained military men unable to restrain three 20-something females. On the one hand, the girls have the element of surprise and inexperience in their favor. On the other hand, it seems unfathomable that they can ever get the upper hand. But what sells the action and fight scenes is Lake Bell. Bell does phenomenally well doing her own stunts and knife work, so much so that I would love to see her take on more physical performances in the future. Nudity comes into play for Bell and Aselton, who directs herself as Abby. And yes, the girls not only did their own stunts, but own nudity as well. Disappointing is Kate Bosworth’s perfectly peppy Sarah who is so annoying you hope for a quick demise.
Directed by Katie Aselton
Written by Mark Duplass and Katie Aselton
Cast: Katie Aselton, Kate Bosworth, Lake Bell
