A young woman named Sarah (Nicole Brydon Bloom) is attempting to start a brand-new life and hopes to move forward from her mysterious past. Sarah discovers a vacant apartment that she likes the look of. She applies for it, competing against many other applicants interested in the same apartment. Soon, Sarah is pleased to find out her application has been approved, and she gets the apartment. She begins to move in and meet all the people within the large apartment building, and at first, everyone around her appears to be quite welcoming and pleasing.
But as Sarah settles in her new apartment, she has several concerns. One night, she begins to hear strange noises, which she suspects could be due to the old pipes within the walls. Her fellow neighbours within the apartment block are also doing a few strange things that catch her attention. To make matters worse, someone even begins to put threatening notes under Sarah’s door. You see, the apartment block has a rule that does not allow pets into the building, and Sarah has just snuck in her kitty cat for company.
Apartment 1BR has many mysteries and strange occurrences within the first act, and this review has barely scratched the surface of most of them. I will state that there is more to Sarah’s neighbours than meets the eye. Sarah is now alone with little support, and it is up to her to survive within this new community.
For the most part, Apartment 1BR feels more like a drama film with an added element of thriller and mystery. Sarah attempts to move away from her past; it is rather unfortunate she only finds herself in a whole world of new trouble. I thought Sarah’s performance, played by Nicole Brydon Bloom, was great as she handled many emotions and bad situations throughout the film. The film’s third act was also a major highlight for me, filled with the most suspenseful and unpredictable moments. For the most part, the film’s musical score was positive.
For those not aware, this film was directed by David Marmor. Apartment 1BR is David’s very first directional feature-length debut. I am pleased to say the director has introduced a few new elements, including his choices in pacing style. These elements were refreshing to see. Visually, I also cannot fault the film. E everything was generally easy to view and simple to follow.
While I enjoyed Sarah as a character, I cannot deny that she has been written with some cliches. The film also introduces several mysteries in the first act, but to my surprise, it reveals most of them in the first act too. It is an unusual and unexpected choice, and I did find the mysteries in the first act extremely predictable and not surprising. A couple of editing choices could have made this act more surprising to its viewers. Side characters are certainly a weaker element here too. Naturally, the leading actress carries most of the film’s strengths, which is great.
Overall, this is a gripping drama film with an added element of thriller and even gore. I was pleased to see several new elements in this film after a directional debut by David Marmor. The top performance by actress Nicole Brydon Bloom was also great, as her character goes through many emotions and dramatic situations throughout the film. The film’s third act was a highlight, filled with surprises and unpredictability.
5.6/10
23rd October 2020
Written by Peter Walkden
WALKDEN ENTERTAINMENT
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