Film Review : Lo (2009)

What I'm Watching

Lo (2009. Directed by Travis Betz. Starring Ward Roberts and Jeremiah Birkett)

Storytelling from the confines of a demonic circle may seem like a seriously risky film choice, but Travis Betz takes that chance and executes it expertly. Lo is an offbeat, mind-bending tale of a man who goes up against smart-mouthed demons in order to see his love, April again. Course, April just happens to be a demon herself. With very little to work with (or to distract the film with) the audience relies on the dialogue and performance from these great actors to see how love knows no bounds. There are so many aspects brilliantly done in what on the surface seems like a minimalists’ film.

The special effects makeup is extravagant, twisted, disgusting, grotesquely realistic, and AWESOME!

I enjoy the use of vibrant colours (notably the reds) in the flashback illusions, which boldly contrast that of the morose dark shades of grey’s and blacks in the surrounding focal point of the movie.

This film is based very heavily on dialogue, which is sharp, savvy and candid.

Ward Roberts as ‘Justin’ [aka Dinner] shows immense talent, as he stretches his emotional bounds from acting within the confines of this devilish circle. We see him weak, defeated, and lost without his love in the beginning, and see him develop into a strong, powerful and determined man who isn’t going to take anymore bullshit from Lo.

Jeremiah Birkett as the demon, ‘Lo’ is without a doubt my favourite part of this film. Lo is so horrifyingly gross, demanding, and austere, but at the same time impetuously hysterical.

Sarah Lassez as the gorgeous demon ‘April’ is quirky, bizarre, and incredibly charismatic to watch onscreen.

Devin Barry as ‘Jeez’ cracked me up as the berserk demon who took April, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t find myself swaying along to his devilish musical number!

I especially enjoy the shadow scenes featuring ‘May’ and ‘June’. The torturous monologue that the audience hears as delivered by ‘May’ (I think this is director Travis Betz himself) is so disturbing! The implied gore that the audience hears and visualizes gives so much more impact than had we seen it.

Behind its pithy banter and incomparable story, is this intensely high-tension mind-fuck between this man and this manipulative and apathetic demon. The fact that all the action (or lack thereof) takes place in this seriously small space really amps up the apprehension and edge, which keeps the story moving along at a perfect pace.

It’s imaginative, thought-provoking, visually pleasing, and incredibly refreshing to see such a different take on filmmaking. A perfect release around Valentine’s Day; grab your loved one and hold them close while you watch this trippy and beautiful love story. So fuck “The Notebook”, this movie really shows you that love knows no bounds!