Movie Review

Expiration

Expiration, the second feature-film by 23-year old Gavin Heffernan, works on some levels more so than others; however, its strengths are memorable, making some of its weaknesses somewhat easy to look beyond. With an adequate budget, this film probably could?ve been quite a trip, as its technical setbacks are obvious; nevertheless, the film rebounds within its story and acting.

Expiration is a pure art film ? there?s no way around it. The film is sometimes quiet, allowing the detail and subtlety of scenes to play an effect, and is sometimes slow but rightfully so. The beginning stretch moves right along, but the pace later on is not as brisk, as the film begins to rely on its characters? gradual development to pave the remaining path. The screenplay doesn?t evolve deep characters, but it?s the characters? intentions that drive our curiosity, along with the solid acting in general.

The film loads up effectively with distorted footage from the past, with nice cinematography and captivating music/sound effects. We soon meet Sam (played by writer/director Heffernan) and his longtime best friend Niki (Erin Simkin), as she reveals that she?s pregnant with his child. Soon, we switch perspectives and meet a young woman named Rachel (Janet Lane) in a park, who is a carrier and is waiting for an individual to supply a stash of drugs that she needs to deliver.

Sam also wants to propose to Niki given their situation, but things don?t go quite as planned: Sam witnesses a robbery at a convenient store at night while Niki is sleeping in the car, with the offender taking off with his ring. Rachel happens to be in the store as well (whom Sam does not know), and after the figure takes off with her stash, she chases after him, as she notices that his gun is not loaded. Sam attempts to stop Rachel from pursuing the criminal, but ends up teaming with her in search of their stolen items, leaving Niki in the car with a note. The remainder of the story consists of a string of coincidences and plays upon the idea of fate, with Sam and Rachel going off in their misadventure while Niki is forced to sprawl the cold streets looking for Sam.

When Expiration works, it works pretty well, as is specifically evident in the first fifteen minutes with the extreme effectiveness of the editing, musical score, and cinematography. Story details are presented at the precise moment necessary in the opening stretch, and while the delivery of information is not always sufficiently timed throughout (sometimes feeling pretentious), there is usually an adequate amount of components to be consumed with. And though a few incidents can make you question the validity, the misadventure subplots are reasonably well orchestrated.

There are also a few incidents that are exaggerated, which did take me out of the moment. The robbery scene is a bit overdone, and cinematography shots go on for a little longer than they may need to on a few occasions. However, in spite of its downsides, Expiration is a somewhat fascinating adventure through coincidence.

The film is not always entirely logical, but it?s hard not to call the experiment unique in its ambition and execution. While I didn?t feel a sincere attraction to the characters, I was intrigued due to the manner of events and the performances; and by the end of the film, I felt like I had gone through an experience much like the central characters. Expiration is not a great film, but it is an impressive piece, and the filmmakers? future endeavors look hopeful.

Lee's Grade: B-

A	0.4%
B	30.0%
C	61.7%
D	8.0%
F	0.0%