Dead Billy (2016) User Reviews

It Could Have Been Good

[mjohnson36203 · 6/10 · 15 January 2018]

The movie is just too long. The story was interesting but by the time it got to the heart of what was going on, I just didn't care and ready for it to be over. It's sort of Lynchian in that a lot is going on and you really have to pay attention but it wasn't engaging enough for me. Sometimes with indy films the acting and directing aren't up to standard, this isn't the case with Dead Billy the acting and directing were really good. I enjoyed Lauren Myers very much, which is why I gave the film a 6.

Acting - Great. Story - Odd?

[davimus · 8/10 · 20 October 2016]

The lead girl is outstanding. The movie itself is sort of confusing overall, but has some great scenes. It's on Amazon Prime, so there's no harm in putting it on as you do something else. I'd say it's worth watching if you're into sort of artsy thrillers. There's some solid cinematography, but the order of shots leaves something to be desired. I found the ending unfulfilling, but I was interested in the journey along the way. This would probably have made for a good miniseries. I'm a bit conflicted in writing this review, because the acting is solid throughout by the main actors (although the supporting characters left something to be desired), but the story just leaves you feeling incomplete. I think it has to be appreciated for the budget, too. This didn't see much of a theatrical release, but shows promise for future projects. Like local businesses, I like to support developing film makers.

Everything is chaos

[nogodnomasters · 8/10 · 18 September 2017]

Calliope (Lauren Myers) and Roy (Frank Taylor Green) have a great life together. Both have the foundations of a classic liberal education. Callie suffers a seizure as Roy proposes to her. We later discover she has a brain lesion and is told not to watch TV. We are suddenly thrust into Callie's dark past and her relationship with a guy we know as "Dead Billy" (John Hardy) "Dead" is a nickname explained in different ways. Billy is an ex-Vietnam vet and is old enough to be Callie's father. We have glimpses of a world of sex and drugs.

The film is not a horror movie. It is designed to be a modern Greek Tragedy. There is mystery, i.e. as to what is really going on within the film, what is real and what is imaginary as Callie, the muse, finds herself cast into Tartarus. Yes, it is an indie art film, one I believe I have figured out, but am not sure. A second viewing is needed and I am not sure I liked the film that much to do so.

For those who indie art and mystery, and daddy issues (I think)- this one has it. Not recommended for the casual viewer who like mainstream films. Good Luck should you opt to view it.

Guide: F-word, brief sex, brief nudity.