Solitary Review
Solitary is a 2021 feature film written and directed by Jack Linsdell.
A film with a strong heart at its center, but one that just can not seem to find its footing, Solitary is ultimately just a film that lacks clear direction in the story.
Where this film has a lot of success in is a sense of location. The seaside shack that Rick McGovern lives in feels full of character and is a strong central point for the story. The set design on display has a good production value to it as well.
Looking at what is probably the weakest element of the film is the story itself. There are many moments where the film will vigorously test your suspension of disbelief. Elements such as discovering a character is pregnant, characters seeming to change personality type scene to scene, or an ending that tries to wrap everything up with a disregard for what has led up to that point.
It really hurts to say so much about the story elements here, but it is born out of knowing that underneath it all there is something much stronger that could emerge. The film just doesn’t want to cross any lines to try additional elements. For instance, the father doesn’t want the daughter to leave to a desperate level, but the actions he takes aren’t severe enough to convey that feeling. There were moments where Linsdell could have taken a few risks that were just sidestepped throughout.
All the technical aspects at play in the film are all serviceable. There is nothing outright offense in the sound, cinematography, or editing, but it just can’t save the plot that struggles to find itself. As a quick aside, the score used in the film can push to a level of melodrama at times throughout as well.
Anytime a creative team makes a film it is quite an accomplishment, one that is amazing no matter the level or length. It is just unfortunate to see something that wants to tell a strong and heartfelt story, which just doesn’t connect all the elements. Solitary is a valiant effort, but one that never quite reaches the highs it wants to.
To follow on social media: Jack Linsdell, Adam Gammage, and Solitary.
Cheers!
Daniel Hess
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