PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Too often are low-budget sci-fi/thriller/action films driven by sloppy CGI that only comes across as a gigantic eye-sore rather than an aspect to add to the thrills it’s meant amplify. Award-winning Agramon’s Gate director Harley Wallen (read our interview with him here) avoids this massive pitfall by relying on a suspenseful plot and an outstanding cast performance to carry his latest film, Eternal Code, from start to finish.
When a military veteran named Corey (Damien Chinappi: Betrayed 2018) finds himself weary from scraping by on the streets, he is about to give up on life. However, he is pulled back from the edge when he saves a prostitute named Stephanie (Kaiti Wallen: Betrayed 2018) from a man threatening to become violent. As Stephanie insists on befriending Corey, the ex-soldier soon receives a bit more kindness from Miranda Pellegrini (Angelina Danielle Cama: Betrayed 2018) and May (Calhoun Koenig: Agramon’s Gate 2019 – read our review here), who have noticed his generous nature despite how little he has for himself.
While humanity and morality thrive on the streets in these small acts of kindness, two corporations in a towering office begin talks of a merger, a business decision that will take a revolutionary technology to new heights. However, Miranda’s mother and corporate CEO, Bridget Pellegrini (Erika Hoveland: Injustice for All 2016), is not so easily swayed. Guided by a strong moral compass, the business leader sees how this invention can be misused by those with deep pockets and a desire to live forever. Intending to prevent this partnership and the possibility of a nightmarish future, Bridget uses her influence in hopes of swaying the vote in her favor. However, with such priceless technology so nearly in reach, Oliver (Richard Tyson: Black Hawk Down 2001), a wealthy business leader on the opposing side, sets his own plans in motion. It isn’t long before Miranda’s parents go missing. Enlisting the help of Corey and Stephanie to track down her mother and father, Mark (Billy Wirth: The Lost Boys 1987), this trio become entangled in a conspiracy far greater than themselves. What unravels is a battle between morality and greed with growing suspense that will leave you on the edge of your seat.
Though Eternal Code begins a little slowly with slight over dramatization, the pacing soon quickens as the film takes a darker twist. The story alone, which involves people with unimaginable wealth bending and breaking the law and ethical code of science for self interest, is not only terrifying, but also believable. However strong the plot may be, it is the cast’s performances that drives this feature the rest of the way.
Richard Tyson gives a great portrayal of a ruthless, wealthy businessman driven by greed as he chases this newfound fountain of youth. Assisting Tyson’s vile character is Nikita, wickedly portrayed by Vida Ghaffari (The Mindy Project TV series), and The People Under the Stairs’ Yan Birch (read our interview with him here) as Magnus, who’s actions are noble yet misguided. Of course, movie fans will recognize familiar faces such as Mel Novak (Game of Death 1978), The Lost Boys‘ Billy Wirth, as well as a surprisingly wild performance by Scout Taylor-Compton (Rob Zombies’ Halloween 2007 – read our retro review here). Leading the cast as a down-on-his-luck vet with a strong heroic character arch is Damien Chinappi while Kaiti Wallen compliments his performance with grace and ease. One again, Harley Wallen proves his ability to work on both sides of the camera.
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As Eternal Code concludes, we’re left with mixture of emotions when a haunting revelation is made just before the credits begin to roll. Set up perfectly for a sequel, we’re left wondering if Wallen and his production company, Painted Creek Productions, will treat us to a followup to this thrilling gem.
