Harvey (Darius Autry) hates his life, and he hates pretty much everybody, and he hates his job at the bowling alley, a job he cannot quit because he has to support his alcoholic mother (Eliza Kelley). And on the plus side, his co-worker Madison (Allison Meister) is pretty much the only person he doesn't hate. He actually cares for her in a very brotherly way. So it pains him to see John (Kevin Winn), a regular about twice her age, constantly hitting on her, and in a very creepy way. Thing is, John and his friend, constantly complaining Karen (Erin O'Brien), are the alley's best customers and are friends with the place's owner, Keith (Johnny Alonso), who's mostly taking their side in disputes. One night, Harvey pretty much loses it, and he gets roaringly drunk, then drives over to the bowling alley to mess the place up - to stumble upon the dead body of John, his head smashed with a bowling ball. He takes a few pictures and takes off. The next morning, he has forgotten most about the other day ... and walks into work to be questioned by the local sheriff (Andrew Rogers), as it appears John has gone missing - his body has not yet been found, but before long the sheriff is convinced that Harvey has actually murdered him, what with their feud having been pretty public, and his lack of a proper alibi. Of course the sheriff couldn't be more wrong, but there are certain parties desparate to unload the blame on Harvey, and he himself isn't even 100% sure that he didn't do it ...

A very interesting film that's in equal parts thriller, character study and small town satire, and that uses its relatively slow pace to its advantage, to let its story unfold very gradually, getting suspense out of small situations rather than spectacle, and thus keeping the tension and mystery high, even if the facts are all dished out in an as is manner. And a very clever script, a subtle directorial effort and a competent case make work things work just right and keep things entertaining throughout.

review © by Mike Haberfelner

 

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