-Written by Kyle Bain.
Easton (Christopher Backus) is drowning, crumbling under the pressure of something, and that mysterious something is crippling. Haunted by visions and memories of a once happy past, Easton finds himself seeking help and resolve in the face of danger. Daft State chronicles the psychological deterioration of a struggling man.
The team behind Daft State looked to create a slow burn of sorts, one that moved meticulously through Easton’s psychosis and effectively told the story of a man struggling through everyday life. To a degree this works, developing suspense that would continue to grow as the film progressed and allowing viewers to effectively take part in Easton’s journey. However, this intensity that is often so-well developed is just as often met with something that stops it in its tracks.
Much of Daft State is dry, and that can work for a film–but I struggled with that aspect of the film in this case. There are many down moments throughout the course of the film that ultimately hinder the film’s fluidity and continuity. There were many times in which, after a major moment, once the tensions have dramatically risen, that viewers are met with a sudden lull. I can understand that Writer-Director Chad Bishoff and Co-Writer Sam Harter may have hoped to strengthen the emotional moments by juxtaposing them in this way, but I didn’t feel that this worked. The film builds upon itself so well for a time, and then it’s met with complete silence that has the potential to continue its ascension to greatness, but is ultimately so different that it steals from what has already been established.
Backus is an absolute star. I’m unfamiliar with him, and even after searching through his catalog on IMDB, I’m not sure that I’ve ever seen him before. That’s a shame, as he’s brilliant throughout the course of Daft State–and is more than capable of carrying a film. His ability to develop emotion, to fill the screen, and to connect with viewers is inspired–and he’s ultimately the reason that the film is so appealing.
Bishoff makes solid choices in continuing to develop intensity throughout the course of Daft State, but counteracts that intensity with dreary and ineffective scenes present throughout. Though, his use of darkness that permeates nearly every bit of this film helps to create balance, to draw out emotion, and to appeal to viewers. Daft State is a powerful affair that accurately tells the story of the human condition–and I truly believe that everyone will be able to connect with Easton’s journey at some point along the way.
Directed by Chad Bishoff.
Written by Chad Bishoff & Sam Harter.
Starring Christopher Backus, Skye P. Marshall, Ka’ramuu Kush, Paulo Costanzo, Jake T. Austin, etc.
7/10 = WATCH IT FOR FREE
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