Black Jade (2020) User Reviews

A visually pristine thriller

[baccaruda1 · 8/10 · 1 April 2022]

This film has a vision and aesthetic that could easily be described as Kubrickian, with it's clean, well-composed black and white cinematography, use of classical music to highlight mood, and creative editing/coloring choices. This is a VERY good-looking film. The acting overall is good, and the lead actress delivers a sequence where she totally loses it that is also very compelling. However, this film belong's to it's writer/director, Guy Longstreet. He delivers a neoexpressionist thriller that is very deliberate in its look and feel, with scenes that feel very much like films of the French New Wave films of the early 1960s. A couple sequences feel a bit self-indulgent with languid long shots or excessive editing, but those are small issues in an otherwise interesting film. The film's conclusion provides a completely unexpected twist that I appreciated. In summary, Black Jade is totally worth your time if you like seeing the work of a visual artist creating film magic.

Intense Psychological Study

[catheraneskillen · 9/10 · 26 June 2022]

Excellent on many levels. Actors are exceptional. The story line has much food for thought. Great visuals, camera work and shots. Very imaginative. Don't want to give away too much of the story and subsequent experience, suffice to say the insight into an artist's (in this case a writer's) inner life was mesmerizing. A director worth watching.

What a noir!

[marceldorian · 10/10 · 24 June 2022]

I am a big fan of the genre hence my enthusiasm. This indie gem is a superbly written, well acted and steadily directed neo-noir wet dream of a film. Also the framing and the score give it so much gravitas. There are clear Hitchcock and Kubrik influences, but I'm not complaining about that. It's a slow burn thriller where the concept of reality is challenged. If you enjoy this genre, you'll love this.

Subtle and Intriguing

[lee_yang_ · 8/10 · 7 April 2022]

The cinematography really lended to the atmosphere of the movie. Overall, it's a quiet, slow burn thriller and it definitely has a level of eeriness to it that will draw you in.

Really well done

[directortim2012 · 9/10 · 25 June 2022]

I liked the trailer for this film. But it really only hinted at how good it actually was. Beautifully shot and a wonder to look at. All done on what one assumes was a modest budget being an indie film, it's pretty remarkable. Just an excellently crafted film in every way. Acting, writing, directing. With characters that feel real, wonderfully flawed and fleshed out. Add some twists and this was just truly bravo filmmaking.