Cast
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Crew
Director
- Jeremy Lalonde
Writer
- Amanda Brugel
- Jonas Chernick
- Jeremy Lalonde
Producer
- Jeremy Lalonde
- Jonas Chernick
- Peter Harvey
Reviews
CinemaSerf
Try as I did, I just couldn't get into this film. "Jennifer" (Amanda Brugel) is a top scientist trying (pretty much single handedly, it appears) to save the population from a water toxicity issue that could wipe us all out in five years. She leaves their rural farmhouse suddenly claiming she has the solution, then something happens? What? Well that's what the next seventy minutes try to explain to us, but I found the whole thing so contrived and far-fetched as to beggar belief. Basically, her bosses are concerned for her mental health given all the strain this researching has put her under, so tell her to take a weekend off with husband "Jason" (Jonas Chernick) so she can recuperate. Clearly their marital relationship has been under pressure too, and some of the plot focusses on that and on their visiting friends "Elliot" (Shawn Doyle) and his pregnant wife "Sammy" (Natalie Brown) who add some more domestic melodrama to this otherwise really lacklustre story. The dialogue is really poorly written, the interaction between these people would have to have you question what on Earth they could ever have seen in each other in the first place. Despite the merits of her scientific work, "Jennifer" came across as a complete pain in the neck and he, well he's just a drip! I believe it was the World Premier of this film that I saw at the Glasgow Film festival - not one of my better choices, sorry,
Feb 24, 2023
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Ashgrove examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Jeremy Lalonde brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2022, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Ashgrove took approximately 23 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 93 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 124 minutes long.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The costume department created over 389 unique costume pieces for the production.
Historical Context
- In 2022, when this film is released:
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Ashgrove shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Perspectiva, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Ashgrove offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Dante's Peak and Under the Same Sky explore similar territory, Ashgrove stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: December 2, 2022
- Runtime: 1h 33m
