Pandorica

UK • 2016 • 82m •

• Directed by: Tom Paton. • Starring: Jade Hobday, Marc Zammit, Adam Bond, Luke D'Silva, Bentley Kalu, Amed Hashimi, Laura Marie Howard, Lauren Howard, Adam Ford..

In a future world, Eiren, Ares and Thade are all in line to lead the next generation of their people. Only one of them will become leader but who will it be?

Trailers:

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Trailer #1

1:23

Trailer #2

2:20

Review:

The art direction, beautiful cinematography by George Burt and Martyna Knitter, perfect locations and costume design by Spyke Toombs and Adam Ford, make it a visually stunning spectacle, with each element complimenting the adjacent medium. A very intelligent, albeit risky, choice of camera paid off beautifully in telling the story that almost exclusively unfolds at night. At no point was the eye left needing to see more than was shown in crisp detail and the absence of light was a necessary tool in the visceral atmosphere created for the audience to share with the characters.

The trio of trial undertakers give wonderfully engaging performances. Adam Bond's portrayal of Thade is both strong in character and soft in soul and as an audience member, I could not help but adore him. On the other hand there was Ares, an unmistakable arsehole brilliantly brought to life by Marc Zammit - each tiniest change of facial expression and instinctual character choice made him a villain the audience loved to hate. The heroine that is Eiren was made for Jade Hobday; her anger and drive for good without the cliché of love interests or perhaps not being as capable in physical conflicts illustrated the perfect personification of a kick ass lead female. However, the whites of Bentley Kalu's eyes as Number 9 very almost stole the entire show - absolutely terrifying. An incredible display of talent and intellect across the board, very well cast by Giles Foreman.

A hugely impressive directing debut from Tom Paton. The manner in which he described his journey from vision to actualisation, made it clear he is extremely passionate about the industry in which he is sure to be a future force of excellence. It's inspiration from other great films such as Predator and Hunger Games shows that a million dollar film can be made to the same quality with a (surprisingly) low budget and a devotion to your work.

Review by Grace Blackman from the Internet Movie Database.