You don't need a star cast or a huge vfx budget to make a quirky Sherlock Holmes-inspired tale. Just watch Aaron Katz's indie mystery comedy and you'll know why. His film starts out like a meditative indie about finding one's self, but transforms into a detective tale that is as funny as it is suspenseful.
Doug (Cris Lankenau, QUIET CITY) is the Sherlock Holmes wanna-be in this tale. He has been studying forensics and has decided to go back home to take a break for a while. He moves in with his sister Gail (Trieste Kelly Dunn, UNITED 93), who, as he observes, doesn't have any friends. He gets a job at an ice factory where he meets the aspiring DJ, Carlos (Raul Castillo, TADPOLES). Doug spends his days reading and taking in the sights of Portland. When he goes to have coffee with his ex, Rachel (Robyn Rikoon), who is in town on business, he doesn't seem too interested in getting back together with her one way or the other. He just seems fine just floating along doing what he wants.
Then one night Carlos drops by late in a panic. Rachel has gone missing. Or has she? Has Carlos been reading too much Arthur Conan Doyle? Is Doug really finding clues or is it a case of his active imagination running amuck? Maybe he should get a pipe to help him concentrate?
Katz quietly sets up his characters. I found the sibling relationship particularly engaging. They're both in a rut in their lives, but only Doug is doing something about it. Some might say he's doing the wrong thing, but who are we to judge? The mystery spices up their lives. It gives Doug something to care about and Rachel starts to feel the residual effects of that.
Doug is sensible and logical, but there is a moment when he enters detective mode. He quickly goes from being blasé about everything to focused. He really does well thinking on his feet. Carlos and Gail become his Dr. Watsons, helping him investigate. They're the perfect yin and yang for Doug. Carlos gets him excited, while Gail brings him down to Earth. Only a sister could tell this would-be Holmes to hand over his knife and let her drive so he doesn't get hurt.
The comedic timing is really snappy. Katz knows how to use editing and pacing to make us laugh at what could be standard detective devices. The whole quietly paced beginning and gorgeous cinematography works as the set up for the jokes. Mystery, adventure and intrigue can break out anywhere, even in a thoughtful indie flick.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
