PopHorror Let's Get Scared
The 2017 Brooklyn Horror Film Festival has been quite the experience. I’ve had the amazing opportunity to watch and review several films, including Fashionista.
I had no clue what was in store for me as the synopsis gives very little away, but I dove in headfirst and barely made it out alive. Well, okay, that’s a bit dramatic… however, it did mess me with quite a bit. Find out why.
Directed and written by Simon Rumley (The ABC’s of Death), Fashionista stars Amanda Fuller (Red White & Blue), Ethan Embry (Devil’s Candy), Eric Balfour (Haven), Alex Essoe (Starry Eyes), and Jemma Evans (Rent).
Official Synopsis of Fashionista:
A woman (Fuller) who uses clothes as an emotional crutch discovers her life isn’t as ideal as she thought…
Fashionista is filmmaking at its finest; the short is truly brilliant. Simon Rumley delivers a film that makes you feel horrified and suffocated with emotion without ever leaving your couch. There were moments I was at the edge of my seat, riddled with anxiety, wondering if I should turn it off and start it up again when I could get my emotions in check. Powerful stuff.
There are a few scenes, in particular, that stick out to me in Fashionista that left me awestruck. My favorite is probably when April is curled up in a ball in her home, surround by clothes… nothing but clothes. It’s a crazy and surreal moment and was beautifully shot.
The acting by all parties is wonderful and the characters remind me of how and why I fell in love with cinema in the first place. The performances are raw, painful, and riveting, notably by Amanda Fuller. I’ve seen Amanda in a few other things, but in my opinion, this is her stand out performance. She delivers a gut-wrenching portrayal of April and never holds back once. I was highly impressed, and I think this role alone will advance her career even more.
As always, Ethan Embry is a delight to see. However, this time around, his character was unlikeable at times. I’ve seen him play all sorts of roles, but this one was a bit different. At times, he had me disappointed in his character’s life choices, but in others, I was rooting for him. He always gives his all in every role and Eric is one of his best characters yet.
I also have to mention three other important characters in Fashionista. Eric Balfour plays bad so good. He really needs to be in more movies. Alex Essoe doesn’t have a huge part, but nonetheless, it is significant to the film. Needless to say, she kills it. Jemma Evans was amazing as well, although her character drove me crazy. I wanted to shake her on several accounts and ask, “What are you thinking?!”
Although there’s not much blood and gore in the film, that’s not the main focus. The story is more of a psychological thriller that has you on edge for its entire run-time. Obsession is scary, no matter what the subject is.
Final Thoughts
Fashionista is a film that you will easily fall in love with because of the painfully beautiful storyline, the rich characters, and the overall maddening intensity. Everything about it is addicting and makes you want more. It may just become your new obsession…
