Movie Review: Without

Run Time: 1 hr 28 min                     Directed by: Mark Jackson

            Imagine yourself going off to a town where you were cut off from some of your normal amenities; computer, cell phone, internet.  Without these things how would you feel? Could this be a great way to get over some of the things that you are dealing with or would it just delay your feelings?

            In the film Without, nineteen year old Joslyn has gotten a job as a caretaker for an elderly man named Frank while his family is away.  Minus all the distractions that have become normal to so many, she is exploring her feelings about her body, who she is and a girl that she knew. Will we ever be able to figure out what brought such a young girl to a job that usually suited for people with a little more life experience?

            The story does not have a lot of dialogue because one of the two main characters appears to be an invalid. A lot of the film rides on the shoulders of Joslyn Jensen who plays the main character of Joslyn.  Most of her emotions are portrayed through her facial expressions and body movement. She received a Special Jury Award from Slamdance because of “her creative, nuanced and moving performance in Without”.  

            Even though Joslyn’s performance won her an award at Slamdance there it isn’t enough to get excitement going for this 88 minute film.  The story is very much one note through out the film.  Most of the film consists of Joslyn’s daily routine along with her interactions with her ward.  There are only minor diversions from Joslyn’s routine but it is drawn out over what seems like a long period of time so that some are even barely noticeable.

             In summary the film will make you feel as if you are spying on some one during their mundane life.  If you need a plot that is pushed forward by external conflict this is not going to be your cup of tea. Even if you enjoy character driven films the characters barely appear to be doing anything themselves.  

Special Jury Mention: Without, dir. Mark Jackson
 The Slamdance jury would like to recognize Joslyn Jensen with a special jury award for her creative, nuanced, and moving performance in Without.