I really enjoyed Bennett & Brooks previous film ALONE WITH YOU but I wasn’t prepared for this gorgeously grotesque film to affect me like it did, from highlighting the dangers of cult worship to the fallacy of artist ego (especially filmmakers, YUCK), the film seduces you and then grabs your flesh and never lets go. There’s some scenes towards the end that, if you’re an AUDITION fan, are particularly effective in a TROUBLE EVERY DAY sorta way. From the spectacular opening image (one most filmmakers will go “Why did I not shoot that shot before?!”) and throughout, co-director/DP Brooks lenses the film in a hypnotic fashion that lures you in, much like Bennett’s character Clara into her prophetic web. And this is Bennett’s time to SHINE (sorry) doing double duty as co-writer/co-director/lead actor playing a zealot ready to give up everything for her beliefs, however false they may be. You can’t take your eyes off her, even in the most gruesome moments. What SHOCKED me is I had no clue the male lead playing off Emily was Brendan Sexton III from WELCOME TO THE DOLLHOUSE! He’s also pretty stunning as the doubebag filmmaker looking to be worshiped in the business of show who may get what he wishes for finally. Extra points for the Fessenden cameo and casting The Adams Family matriarch Toby Poser as well. The film pulls no punches and I loved it.As screened at the 2025 Ramaskrik Film Festival.
