[Review] 'Resonance' pulses with dread

​Isolation has always been one of my biggest fears. I’ve never told anyone that, but it feels like an appropriate admission for this review. Sure, I like peace and quiet and I would probably quite enjoy some time away in an isolated area of the woods. I don’t want to get too far away from society, though. What if something awful happens and you can’t get any signal on your cell phone? What if your car just won’t start?  These things happen all the time in the horror genre, but Resonance plays upon these fears…

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​...Written/directed by Siar Sedig, Resonance follows Max (Max Croes) and Elena (Nastassia Vuursteen) as they head to a nice place in the middle of nowhere for what Max hopes will be a romantic weekend together. Unfortunately, Elena can’t keep her focus off of her work and Max is getting frustrated as he tries to put together the perfect proposal. During a trip into the woods, the couple hears some strange sounds that make them decide to head back. Upon returning, they see that their back door has been left open. From there, things just keep getting weirder.
 
First and foremost, I have to mention that this film is beautifully shot. Every single thing, from the nature that surrounds Max and Elena to the aerial photography, is very well done. I found myself completely engrossed with the way the camera moved and the imagery in every shot. Resonance looks spectacular and it was a pleasure to watch.
 
With technical aspects aside, Resonance is solid in the areas of plot, character and suspense. The film clocks in at 73 minutes, but it makes good use of its time. It never feels dull or as if the characters are just biding their time. I can’t help but think that it could have been just a bit longer, but it certainly didn’t need to be. It’s tight and it ends right when it needs to.

​Croes and Vuursteen deserve praise for holding things together despite being the only two actors in the entire film, which is quite a task to undertake. Their relationship is believable and so are their relationship problems. They hit all the right beats along the way. I was impressed with how well they brought out what was needed in each and every scene.
 
They say less is more and Resonance definitely subscribes to that belief when it comes to what it actually shows. Once things start getting strange, the suspense is prominent. There’s always the possibility that something is about to happen. Usually, it doesn’t, but a sense of dread still lingers. There are very small teases and you may think you know what’s happening, but you’re never sure and you’re never given anything. Those looking for any sort of answers or explanations will be disappointed, but personally, I think it’s great that the film doesn’t spell anything out.
 
While I think the runtime could have been extended just a bit, Resonance is solid from top to bottom as it is. The plot is very simple, but the characters make it work and it’s suspenseful enough to keep viewers involved. On the technical side of things, the film looks great and the sound design is well done, too. This is a film that keeps you guessing and while you may not get any answers, it makes for a quick and very entertaining watch. I recommend checking this one out.
 
Resonance hits VOD on October 11th through Terror Films. 

By Billy Smith