Cicada Song (2019) User Reviews

No equivocation

[aarpcats · 5/10 · 30 January 2021]

In an era where Hollywood seems to build more likable sociopaths, it's easy to forget what real evil is, how it can live next door to you, and how it can wear the faces of family and friends.

This simple mystery isn't studded with CGI, movie stars or lavish sets, but it is a chilling allegory for our times. As I watched, I thought, "How did we get like this as a people? When did this country fill up with monsters?"

Should have been 'test viewed' first

[biljao258 · 3/10 · 23 January 2020]

Making some allowances for a low budget indie, the basic cinema craft (acting, photography, sets, locations, sound design) of the movie are ok. Where it really falls apart is in the story line and disjointed editing. The story is convoluted and unconvincing involving a woman left for dead in the woods, missing children, small town homophobia, undocumented immigrants, exchanges of bundles of cash by a shady realtor and law firm and some very obscure attempts at 'suspense'. Given the considerable time and effort to produce and shoot the movie one wonders if it has been tested for comprehension and engagement with some test viewers! A small point: What has the 'poetic' title got to do with anything in the story?

Love this movie

[TrentonHudson · 20 February 2020]

This was well put together. It was very suspenseful through the entire movie waiting to find out who done it and how it would all turn out. Cinematography was perfectly done as well as the actors in the movie. This was a very moving message throughout the movie that I won't give away but it highlights struggles in real life. 5 stars. Recommend to all. J. D'andrea

Don't waste your time.

[maridythm · 1/10 · 10 April 2021]

Absolute garbage. Poorly acted and the writing was abysmal. I'm astonished anyone could find this in anyway appealing. Virtue signaling ineptly executed.

Indie Thriller

[fayk-73877 · 7/10 · 22 January 2021]

From the beginning to the end "Cicada Song" kept me interested. If you love a well shot and performed indie thriller then this is a movie for you. Great acting and cinematography. This films packs in a ton of issues that are going on in our country and executes it very well!

Know who to trust

[karaalmindez · 7/10 · 30 March 2020]

Just recently watched the film and it breaks my heart to see that there are persons in the world that do such bad things to others. Love it. It really was great to watch.

Farmland America With A Dark Side

[TheAll-SeeingI · 10/10 · 23 January 2020]

Set in rural America, the excellent "Cicada Song" scrapes away at the thin veneer of a deceptively idyllic farming community, only to unearth a nefarious ugliness that transcends boilerplate small-town stereotyping.

Karen (Lyndsey Lantz) manages farm operations for a grateful husband and wife team (Joseph Bottoms and Kim Reed). At night, she returns home to her Latina partner, convenience store clerk Annabelle (Jenny Mesa). Lantz is handed a deeply dimensional character by writer/director Michael Starr, and she owns it at the highest level. Honest and tenacious, at one moment Karen vehemently protects the financial interests of her employers, while in the next she's loyally defending her girlfriend (and herself) from latent misogyny and explicit homophobia. A pall is cast when migrant worker Javier (Cesar Ramos) informs Karen that a little girl has gone missing from the field worker community. And with that, a perverse and encompassing pyramid scheme begins to seep up through the farmland soil.

"Cicada Song" is an engrossing mystery-thriller hybrid that shines a deft light on the plights of socially and economically marginalized groups facing entrenched greed and ignorance. But it's also simply a great storytelling vehicle on the most puerile of levels, marked by plot twists that surprise while somehow remaining truthful. Highly recommended. - (Was this review of use to you? If so, let me know by clicking "Helpful." Cheers!)

Cracking little thriller sad ending

[davidctough · 7/10 · 21 January 2020]

Turns out it was all dream .then it wasn't a dream then was dream ..or maybe I was dreaming . Go see this you won't be disappointed if you wanted a sleep . Could have better if it was shorter .

Captivating!

[logan091568 · 8/10 · 12 July 2020]

Cicada song is a superb thriller that slowly reveals it's dark and powerful underlying themes. Excellent performances and beautiful settings as well. Kudos to all involved with the production, I would love to see more!

Suspenseful thriller with an underlying message

[dwroesekejr · 9/10 · 23 January 2020]

I was riveted through the entire movie waiting to find out who done it and how it would all turn out! Beautifully shot in rural America with quaint old towns, gorgeous scenery and a bit of nostalgia the cinematography plays against the tension of the reality. Performances are spot on, especially the two leading ladies and supporting actress/actors. The fact that it has a message and spotlights continuing struggles in rural communities is just a bonus!

Cicada Song

[peterpaton-58908 · 8/10 · 6 January 2021]

A tragic and urgent story, Cicada Song is well balanced and well paced. And that says a lot for the director and screenwriter Michael Starr. Lyndsey Lantz, in her role as Karen, conveys the situation with her mannerisms, facial expressions, tone of voice. So much can be taken in by watching and absorbing Karen, and the other characters as well. Events in a story do not always have to be viewed in order to be felt. Movies that are well written, directed, and performed, are worth watching a number of times because there is so much. Cicada Song is here.

A Song worth to play

[JCFV7 · 10/10 · 27 March 2020]

I'm delighted by this powerful story that touches all the branches of an almost sociopathic society, current therefore scary. The subtlety in their performances drag us into the woods of racism, crime, inclusion, trust and love with veracity and intrigue. We all have a sad-love story but the beauty on how it is told define us, crime is the seasoning of this one. Cicada is a song worth to play at the cinema, and our lives. Magnificent work producers, talent is afloat.

Amazing watch! Heartfelt thriller with unexpected twists and turns.

[amanda-lehan-canto · 10/10 · 29 January 2020]

A must watch. Very topical, heartfelt, thrilling and just some incredible acting in this film. Truly loved it!!

Riveting

[amyappleby-24090 · 10/10 · 23 January 2020]

A truly thrilling thriller, beautifully acted and directed, Cicada Song is mesmerizing.

You know it's good when you start yelling at your TV!

[KristenUngar · 10/10 · 31 January 2020]

I was hooked from the beginning! Everyone that worked on this film did a fantastic job at making a thriller that keeps you glued to you seat waiting to see what happens next. You know a movie is good when you start yelling at the characters on your screen like they can hear you. I can't stop recommending this film.

Superub!

[mandiu · 10/10 · 28 January 2020]

I enjoyed this film very much! I am usually not a fan of Indie films but I found myself engrossed from the very first scene. I highly recommend this one!

Poignant, powerful, and heart-wrenching

[MariaAllred · 10/10 · 18 February 2020]

This is not an easy watch, but it captures you and doesn't let go. Beautiful cinematography and a compelling score accentuate this twisting tale that leaves the viewer with a deeply heart-wrenching but powerful message. Highly recommend.

An easy "9" from me

[craigahrens · 9/10 · 9 February 2020]

Talk about a film that is socially appropriate for present day! Holy cow, does this film ever deliver. This indie of gem of a film... touches on many current issues that are socially relevant! Michael Starr, the writer, wrote on heck of a terrific story!! I enjoyed this film from beginning to end and never found myself wondering off to the frig to get a snack (that in itself is a very good sign). This little dandy gets "two thumbs up" from me. Do yourself a favor, watch this film.

Complex New Mystery/Thriller

[JGReviews · 10/10 · 27 January 2021]

Cicada Song is a complex new release indie film. It takes place in a small rural community, one that is quite pretty (and beautifully shot for that matter), but there are some dark things going on here. The story addresses multiple relevant issues, while still maintaining a compelling mystery/thriller narrative. It's tough for an indie film to compete with the big budgets and polish of multi-million dollar Hollywood films, but this indie holds its own with its story, performances, and pretty locations and cinematography.

A cinematic taste of reality in rural America

[jo-14265 · 10/10 · 30 November 2020]

Leading actress Lyndsey Lantz is perfect in her role as a brave young women sticking up for those less fortunate and uncovering local corruption at the highest level. The photography and production design is very authentic. Well made movie in every dept.

Check this Indie film out!

[cdwelcome-51-56444 · 9/10 · 30 March 2020]

Independent films are often a labor of love, and there are so many nearly impossible challenges to get them made and seen. Cicada Song's Director Michael Starr tackles these challenges and then some. The Missouri setting, is beautifully captured, and leading actress Lyndsey Lantz is engaging. She keeps you rooting for her as she struggles to find the answers to the prejudice and corruption in her community. Give this indie a watch!

Great indie find!

[Tilman-Borck · 8/10 · 17 February 2021]

This is a beautifully shot independent movie that takes you on a fascinating journey to places you usually don't get to see. The acting is superb and the director knows how to gather suspense in new and exciting ways. I highly recommend this one!

Watched it all the way through, and there wasn't a dull moment. Nicely done film!

[somanyways · 10/10 · 30 January 2020]

I liked how simple the setting/environment was and how well the acting was carried out. It seemed very believable and the cinematography was excellent as well!

Well done suspense triller.

[helgocast · 9/10 · 2 February 2020]

The film is well done. I wasn't expecting the plot to go in the direction that it did. Kept me interested and intrigued. It was a little disturbing that this kind of thing does happen. Well worth the journey.

Loved this film!

[alisonnic · 9/10 · 1 February 2020]

Compelling story, outstanding acting, superb cinematography, gorgeous scenery. I was very moved, and felt both sad and angry, but also deep appreciation for the people who made this film.

My only unease was with the ending. Yes, it's not a "happily ever after" ending, but that's okay. The ending was appropriate to the story. I just felt it was a little abrupt, and I felt emotionally disconnected, when I so strongly wanted to feel a connection and some kind of resolution.

However, given the context and the events, perhaps the way the ending made me feel was exactly right.