Arc (II) (2016) User Reviews

A surprisingly efficient indie gem

[fieldaustinb · 8/10 · 5 August 2018]

As an aspiring film maker, I like to research indie movies as much as possible. This one came to me as a recommendation on Amazon, and I was surprised with what I found.

IMDb says this movie was made with a two-thousand dollar budget and if that is true I am impressed as everything about it appears to be something with a much larger value. The lighting is questionable in some places and impeccable in others, and it comes as no surprise to see two cinematographers credited. Either way, the cinematography is at the least always interesting to see.

The acting is top notch, particularly from Christopher Cassarino and Martha Harms who, together, provide the greatest elements that the movie offers.

The story is bleak and somewhat cynical and the characters are mostly unlikable but the story still draws you in and despite your ability to really like these people you can't help but feel for their plight. When story of two characters concludes by the end of the movie you feel the heartache with them.

A few minor issues aside, this is a real indie gem that marks the sure signs of a capable director finding his voice, and I look forward to seeing the content he creates in the future.

8/10

A thoughtful little piece

[ppullman · 7/10 · 11 October 2018]

First of all, the categories may be misleading. This film is listed as a romance and really doesn't merit that category other than a few scenes. This is a depressing drama about relationships told in a refreshing way. This isn't a bad thing, but viewers going into this movie looking for a romance will be hit with disappointment afterward.

Martha Harms stands out above a cast that already shines, in the role of the turmoiled wife Naomi. Keep an eye on her.

The movie moves at a snail's pace so it might not be for everybody, but if you are prepared for a slow burn this one might just surprise you if you give it a chance.

The Smokers

[lavatch · 3/10 · 26 August 2018]

The most prominent visual element in this film romance is cigarette smoke. The close-ups were invariably filled with the curling smoke emanating through the mouth and nostrils of the various characters. It was a most unappealing feature in the portrayal of a set of convoluted love relationships. The smoke is effective in creating atmosphere in the black-and-white film noir genre. It is not effective in a love story.

The characters in this film appeared to be in their early thirties, but they acted as if they were in high school. Love seemed to be synonymous with sex, as opposed to commitment and passion. Indeed the greatest passion in the film was apparent in the men's regular poker games.

The most interesting character in the film is Naomi McQuicick, an aspiring actress who never seems to get cast in her auditions. Her husband Dennis has supported her "hobby" so that she does not have to worry about finances. Their relationship has hit a speed bump, but the communications are non-existent. It is never made clear whether Dennis has been unfaithful to Naomi. But it is crystal clear that Naomi is thinking of cheating on Dennis.

There is a revealing moment at the start of the film when Naomi makes eye contact with Ben. Both of the characters have a taken a stroll outside during a party. Ben left intentionally in the hope that he would see Naomi. The characters share an intimate moment of gazing at one another. That moment is the harbinger of things to come.

Ben's character is a true work of art. It is not clear if he is employed, and he resides in a somewhat shabby, motel-like apartment. He has recently ended a relationship and started a new one with a very nice woman he met in a bar. And they share a lot in common because they are both compulsive smokers!

A shortcoming of the film was the slow pacing and the inordinately lengthy musical interpolations. The languid scenes and lengthy musical segments came at the expense of exposition, character development, and drama. The overuse of the musical digressions gave this film an arc of stasis.

It is not clear what actually is the attraction between Naomi and Ben, other than pure animal instincts. Would Naomi risk leaving her marriage and a husband who seems to genuinely love her for the uncertainty of a life with Ben? The arc of this film is finally determined by the direction in which the cigarette smoke is wafting.

Adding to the review "The Smokers" - some honest people, some predator, some betrayers

[oparnie · 3/10 · 28 November 2022]

Please read the review "The Smokers" first, I just add a few sentences.

• Naomi feels unsecure, because her own professional life is meandering.

• Dennis, her husband, tells her only when she accuses him of cheating, after he told her that he had never done anything wrong, and she still insisting to "tell her the truth", upset, that he worked hard every day to support her and her "hobby". That was his wording while being pressured hard by Naomi and he felt wrongly accused.

• Ben is a real bum, has a disgusting daily life and habits, tries to take what he can get, like a woman he meets in a bar, at the same time predatoring Naomi.

He employs here current insecurity to lure her away from her husband, who loves her but feels treated badly by Naomi for some time now.

• Naomi finally cheats with Ben, before leaving Dennis and ring at Bens door.

End of the movie.

So, the answers are:

• yes, Naomi cheats and sleeps with Ben, BEFORE splitting with her husband Dennis.

• yes, Naomi leaves her husband and goes directly to Ben (typical switch from one warm bed to another).

• what happens to Ben and Naomi is not told.

What this has to do with "love" is beyond my understanding of love and caring.

Great little southern hipster slice of life.

[alan-dunkel-1 · 10/10 · 17 August 2018]

If you like arthouse movies you'll want to check this one out. It's a unquie slice of life. A love story between southern hipsters. Don't expect an action movie, just relax to a southern pace and enjoy.

A Thoughtful Indie that's Well Worth a View

[srdidymus · 9/10 · 3 January 2019]

Arc provides a fascinating look at the complicated and fragile nature of modern relationships by focusing on very real characters while also placing some emphasis how they're affected by technology. The later of which serves as a catalyst for many a failed relationship, and is a vital element that's sorely absent in recent films attempting to tackle the topic of infidelity.

Unlike many films with limited funding, the lower budget of Arc greatly enhances the rawness of pain and (minor) pleasure felt by its characters. Additionally, the fine acting, great script, and aware direction keep the film grounded and make it one to which viewers can easily relate.