To say that superheroes have changed the face of cinema in the past ten years, would be a massive understatement. Since Tony Stark was first stuck in a cave or since Heath Ledger first put on war paint – we’ve completely shifted as a movie going public. The nerds have truly inherited the world. This year saw a new king at the box office in Avengers: Endgame. The current top 25 all time box offices house 10 other superhero movies as well. Our television has become overrun with the culture as well. At this point, The CW, might as well change its name to DC with Arrow, The Flash, Supergirl, Batwoman, Legends of Tomorrow and Black Lightning. Marvel has ushered in its fair share of cartoons and live action ones as well. Even smaller companies in the industry are stepping out to turn their properties to life. Look no further than the awesomeness that is The Boys or The Tick. Superheroes have forever changed our culture. Though, what would happen if an individual took their love for superheroes a bit too far?
Sure, you’ve heard of the Unbreakable trilogy but allow me to introduce you to Artik. The film circles around Artik (Jerry G. Angelo), a comic book enthusiast in the midst of creating his own book, who in the midst of research for his book teaches his son (Gavin White) how to murder. There is an intimacy to this movie that creates for a rich viewing experience. While we are in the midst now a days of cinematic universe and ensemble affairs, Artik manages to give viewers an intensely rich and well-crafted antagonist driven story. For the majority of 78-minute duration, the film focuses on the relationship between father, Artik, and his son, Boy Adam. While White doesn’t have a lot of dialogue in the movie, his facial expressions and reactions more than make up for it. Even at a young age, he manages to express and showcase a decent range of emotion.
Though, it’s Angelo’s performance which makes Artik worth the investment of time. Angelo’s intense and emotionally satisfying performance will constantly leave you on the edge of your seat. Angelo brings a rare energy to the screen that rivals that of early Brando, DeNiro & Ledger’s Joker. Jerry G. Angelo is a name to remember in the coming year. Artik solidifies Angelo as a tour de force of raw passion and pure mayhem. By far one of this year’s best on screen villainous roles.
While the film is named after Artik, no story is complete without its hero. Holton (Chase Williamson) is a man sick of chaos. He’s a quiet young man just trying to get through the workday. When he stumbles into a friendship with White, the stories collide as he is thrusted into the role of hero. The role suits him quite well actually. For the first half of the film, the narrative is balanced between Williamson and Angelo – Williamson delivering just as much emotion to the role of hero as his villain. Williamson manages to bring a level of vulnerability to this role. Ushering in another level of emotion and satisfaction for Artik.
Overall, Artik, is a fascinating dive into the superhero genre. Crafting a grounded tale that is vulnerable as it is intense. Artik, in every way, is the modern-day marriage of Unbreakable and The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. Antagonist, Jerry G. Angelo, delivers an unforgettable performance of intensity that rivals the early work of Robert DeNiro. His raw passion grabs you with utter fearlessness and never once lets go. Protagonist, Chase Williamson, delivers the vulnerable bedrock for the film. Constructing another layer of the film’s brilliance – only solidifying its independent masterpiece level. Intense, emotional, electrifying – Artik Is flawless in every way!
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Credits: Artik is property of Dread and Epic Pictures. We do not own nor claim any rights. Official selection of GenreBlast Film Festival 2019.