On Our Terms - a Matthew Bennett film

[Noel Evans]

The actors conveyed their deep long relationship very well. I also liked the subtle slow feeling of dread that was building throughout the film. Definitely sensed some horror aspirations here. I was almost disappointed that I did not see the zombie or vampire hordes come smashing into the house before the fire engulfed everything

Hehe I was wondering if someone might say something like that and Im really glad you did. That was definitely something Matt and I discussed and we always resounded back to the most important factor that drives this - their relationship. Im glad though there was a feeling of wanting more

[Noel Evans]

Acting and lighting, really beautiful.

Thank you AJ, very pleased you liked it.

[Matt Harris]

This reminded me of a 70's gothic horror movie, it had an effective atmosphere of dread and was generally creepy. Both leads were solid!

[Shawn Philip Nelson]

Wow! Beautifully done. Incredible visuals and good solid acting. I was a bit confused as to what's going on. I should watch it again.

ONly tiny nitpick on the visuals is more/bigger catchlights. But still, amazing work Noel. Probably the best lit entry i've seen.

[EditPhish]

*SPOILERS*

My criticisms: I didn't like the opening title credit. This is not something I've complimented or criticized on other entries, but I'm doing it with yours only because it's so good in a lot of other respects. You were one of the favorites in our viewing party and with me personally. The great films I have to nit-pick to find fault with ;)
The lighting was really good overall, but there were a few shots where I thought it made the man's beard look just a little strange.
And the only other criticism is the ending. With my whole group of watchers, we weren't exactly sure what was happening. Zombie invasion? Monster in the woods? It provoked a lot of conversation and piecing together, but that also created a few holes in the story. For example, if they were committing suicide to get away, why would she ask him at the beginning if he was going to stay? There just seemed to be a few loose ends. However, we also all agreed that if you had used monster sounds throughout or at the beginning, it would have changed the tone of the film, and we didn't want that either!

My compliments: One of the strongest films in the fest, without a doubt. Your actors were superb... you lighting, location and set design were fantastic. Great cinematography and an overall great mood and feel. I also loved how the two characters sharing a wonderful memory instantly makes us, the viewers, invested in them.
We probably talked about your film the most because we all enjoyed it so much, and personally, it got one of the highest scores with me. I could easily see this as a scene in feature film.

[Noel Evans]

Wow! Beautifully done. Incredible visuals and good solid acting. I was a bit confused as to what's going on. I should watch it again.

ONly tiny nitpick on the visuals is more/bigger catchlights. But still, amazing work Noel. Probably the best lit entry i've seen.

Thank you Shawn. Really appreciate it.

[Noel Evans]

My compliments: One of the strongest films in the fest, without a doubt. Your actors were superb... you lighting, location and set design were fantastic. Great cinematography and an overall great mood and feel. I also loved how the two characters sharing a wonderful memory instantly makes us, the viewers, invested in them.
We probably talked about your film the most because we all enjoyed it so much, and personally, it got one of the highest scores with me. I could easily see this as a scene in feature film.

Editphish thank you for taking the time to do a lengthy review. I think Matt did a great job of getting this story and those elements together and working in sync. All your critiques are not lost here either - greatly appreciated. I really love how you have a party going on to view the entries - sounds like a blast - and I really love that you guys enjoyed this and were able to get a lot of discussion out of it.

[Matthew B]

Wow! Beautifully done. Incredible visuals and good solid acting. I was a bit confused as to what's going on. I should watch it again.

ONly tiny nitpick on the visuals is more/bigger catchlights. But still, amazing work Noel. Probably the best lit entry i've seen.

Thanks for the comment Shawn. Noel definitely did an amazing job.

[Matthew B]

*SPOILERS*

My criticisms: I didn't like the opening title credit. This is not something I've complimented or criticized on other entries, but I'm doing it with yours only because it's so good in a lot of other respects. You were one of the favorites in our viewing party and with me personally. The great films I have to nit-pick to find fault with ;)
The lighting was really good overall, but there were a few shots where I thought it made the man's beard look just a little strange.
And the only other criticism is the ending. With my whole group of watchers, we weren't exactly sure what was happening. Zombie invasion? Monster in the woods? It provoked a lot of conversation and piecing together, but that also created a few holes in the story. For example, if they were committing suicide to get away, why would she ask him at the beginning if he was going to stay? There just seemed to be a few loose ends. However, we also all agreed that if you had used monster sounds throughout or at the beginning, it would have changed the tone of the film, and we didn't want that either!

My compliments: One of the strongest films in the fest, without a doubt. Your actors were superb... you lighting, location and set design were fantastic. Great cinematography and an overall great mood and feel. I also loved how the two characters sharing a wonderful memory instantly makes us, the viewers, invested in them.
We probably talked about your film the most because we all enjoyed it so much, and personally, it got one of the highest scores with me. I could easily see this as a scene in feature film.

The fact that you were still discussing it after it finished means i accomplished what i set out to do. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[ZazaCast]

This was a really well done film.... one of my favs! Great job. I did have to watch it a few times (because I'm slow) to get the story completely.
At first the opening titles didn't register, nor did the contant wind/scary sound throughout, but on that second view no worries.

I love that it was an older couple (like my film)...there's such character in their faces and the acting was spot on for me. Beautiful shots and nice
skin tone. I noticed a comment on the males beard, but that's just what a gray beard looks like... you can see the same thing on my actor. The gray
reflects the light and 'shines' a bit.

My only question is why did he put on his hat to light the fire...and then it was gone when he laid down? He was still IN the house, yes?

Beautiful short gentlemen, but what else should you expect from such a talented group.
Cheers!