Adam (Charles Rashard) and Jill (Rachel Forbes) are former lovers who reunite at a wedding reception in their rural Appalachian town. When the two leave the gathering with Adam at the wheel for a tryst, a catastrophic motor vehicle accident kills Jill and leaves many questions unanswered. Adam isn't much help answering any questions, because he can't remember the events that led up to the accident.

Was it a fight?

Were the two distracted by, um, amorous adventures?

Could it have been as simple as oncoming traffic?

As the townsfolk grow increasingly suspicious of Adam and criminal charges become ever more likely, Adam's already fractured psyche' begins to border on madness. It doesn't help that Wayne (Nate Prestidge), Jill's current boyfriend, is intent on casting blame onto Adam. Can he discover the truth and put himself back together before his entire life falls apart?

Written and directed by Eddie Mensore, The Deposition is a powerful psychological drama carried quite ably by lead Charles Rashard as a man whose motivations and actions are never quite clear. Rashard captures Adam's sense of loss and confusion and bewilderment, but never makes him such a complete innocent that you completely dismiss that, perhaps, there's something to all the suspicions. It's an emotionally honest performance that leaves you constantly wondering yet drawn to him.

Shot in West Virginia and Ohio, The Deposition is expertly lensed by Matthew Boyd with original music by Chris Ridenhour that magnificently heightens the film's sense of anxiety and suspense. While the film's themes are quite dark, Mensore keeps control and never allows The Deposition to cross the line into histrionics. In addition to Ridenhour's stellar original music, the film features a terrific soundtrack that includes Chuck Brodsky, John J. Mensore, Tim Baurle, Zach Dust and Duda Did It.

As is often the case with lower budget indies, the acting amongst the supporting players can be a bit hit-and-miss at times with only minimal distraction caused to the film's dramatic story line.

The Deposition has already played at several film festivals including Dances With Films, Philadelphia Independent Film Festival, Las Vegas Film Festival and others. The film received three Los Angeles Movie Awards including Best Editing, Best Special Effects and an Award of Excellence. The Deposition just screened this past weekend at the Kahbang Film Festival in Bangor, Maine.

Budget constraints can prove to be quite the hazard for those who wish to make a convincing and involving psychological thriller, but kudos to Mensore for crisp editing, an involving story and solid production values throughout the film's 80-minute running time. The Deposition is continuing on the film festival circuit. For more information, visit The Deposition website.


© Written by Richard Propes
The Independent Critic