‘Find Her’ Review
Stars: Nick McCallum, Stelio Savante, Anais Lilit, Richard Gunn, John James, G. Andrew Ahrens, Rebecca Lines, Sydney Bullock, Brandon Stacy, Randal Gonzalez, Mary Drew Ahrens, John Daniel Gates | Written and Directed by Nick McCallum
The sight of a southern swamp opens the latest feature from writer/director/star Nick McCallum, with the area including gators residing in the water, and a hand visibly poking out of the ground. It belongs to murdered ranch owner Robert Marks, who was last seen boarding a boat with his missing daughter, Sloan. This is conveyed in the intrusive voice-over from ex-cop Isaiah Slade (McCallum), arriving in the small town searching for answers as to Sloan’s whereabouts.
As he converses with the local Chief (Richard Gunn), tries speaking with Robert’s remaining daughter Beth (Mary Drew Ahrens), and forms a bond with aspiring musician Brandy (Anais Lilit), it becomes clear that Slade is personally invested in uncovering the truth. His investigation crosses paths with Garrett Warner (Garrett Andrew Ahrens), a powerful man who owns most of the town. Across McCallum’s attempt at a twisty noir, Isaiah struggles to persevere within a town with such a grim underbelly, venturing closer to danger as he uncovers more truths about the town.
The elements are here for a promising mystery born from familial tensions, hidden relationships, and simmering resentments. What’s unfortunate is how the film falls short of that promise, instead combining standard tropes in dull ways for a tale populated with lacklustre kills, unsatisfying thrills, and very few surprises. The character drama is let down by some unfortunate performances, which include some examples of struggling to convey human emotions.
An image which recurs throughout sees Sloan dancing on a beach, wearing a white dress to convey how she appears angelic while hammering a point regarding a tragic loss of innocence. As the missing daughter is put on a pedestal, it highlights the lacking interest in knowing her as a person with the expectation that will be enough. Credit to all involved trying to achieve their aspirations with limited resources, although it, unfortunately, falls short.
