Forty Winks

Willlam Atticus Parker's directorial debut 'Forty Winks' is one of the best debuts of last year. It follows Fabio Berker, a struggling hypnotist in New York City, who is blackmailed into being the world's first hypnotist hit man after a mysterious woman finds out his degree is fake. It's incredible that Parker wrote/directed this film when he was only 17 because this is such a matured and original film with incredible dialogue that is gripping and thought provoking. I'm so impressed by how skillfully balanced the comedic, crime and mystery tones. Parker keeps you on the edge of your seat as the film goes many unexpected different directions, and you'll also get some good laughs along the way. Many filmmakers use black and white simply because it's beautiful photography but doesn't serve a purpose or fit their film. In the case of 'Forty Winks', it enhances the film giving it an edge that fits the story perfectly. . . As a fan of 'Power Book 2:Ghost', I'm a bit familiar with Justin Marcel McManus, who gives an INCREDIBLE performance. He displays a plethora of emotions being charismatic, endearing and most of all distressing. Susan Sarandon has three scenes and steals every one of them. She plays the woman blackmailing Fabio, and while being understanding, she also shows she can be deadly and means business, so don't mess with her. John Turtorro is in this for a quick scene, and he gives exactly what you want from him, almost feeling like he walked out of a Coen set. I love The Dan Band, so it was great seeing Dan Finnerty in a film like this, and in his very brief appearance he had me in tears of laughter. Indie cinema truly has a great new voice in William Atticus Parker, and 2 films in, I can proudly say I'm a fan and will champion all his future projects. The film is currently streaming on Tubi and I would highly recommend it as it's a breezy 74 minutes that is jam packed with so much.

If you're suffering from insomnia, give this ridiculous film a viewing. I dare you to make it through without falling asleep. If stupid, poorly acted, film school (or high school) project level filmaking turns you on, you will love this film. Nothing, including a couple of "big" names, will save this film from the criticism that all 120 mins of this disaster richly deserves. Several reviews (likely astroturfed) are heeping praise on the directorial debut of William Atticus Parker. If this rubbish is the best Parker can do on his first outing, no need to see another act. Maybe Parker could benefit from a trip to film school, or just watch Citizen Kane. The reset button needs a hard hit before Parker's next project. Some find it astonishing that Parker wrote and directed this mess when he was just 17 years old. NO! This sleep inducing tripe looks EXACTLY like a 17 year old created it. It's certain that anyone watching "Forty Winks" will get far more than 40 winks for their trouble.

Forty Winks has a comedic approach towards the effects of grief that pays off graciously. Parker's direction is consistent and aids his witty writing to impressive lengths. The performances, across the board, are rich and singular. Justin Marcel McManus's endearing and heartbreaking performance lead this character study with elegance. Sarandon gives a hilarious turn as a seemingly heartless antagonist, and handles her extensive dialogue as someone as seasoned as her would... and then some. Ejogo provides a sense of realism, with a subtly comedic sensibility. Brown fits right into the circumstances with ease; commanding the screen with his presence. Shenkman, Finnerty, Burstein and Turturro all shine brightly with Parker's dialogue. They bring the film to different levels, no matter how out of the ordinary -- in the best way possible -- their characters are. Parker, as well, gets remarkable performances from several first timers, such as: Sam Lazzara, Ruth Chapman, Nancy Reardon and more. Parker is someone to look out for; having built a world perfectly shot in black and white frames that will hold the viewers on the edge of their seats throughout the journey.

Thought-provoking, darkly funny, intelligently written and beautifully shot in black and white, "Forty Winks" is an incredibly mature and well established directorial debut from teen director William Atticus Parker, that takes a wonderfully off-kilter approach to heavy themes. No wonder why the film features incredible actors like Susan Sarandon and John Turturro. All you need to do is listen to the dialogue, and look out for the way scenes are set up, and you'll quickly get it. In layman's terms, the screenplay is an absolute treat, deftly balancing comedy, mystery, drama and crime. It's magnificent to see such wonderful young filmmakers coming up through independent filmmaking, with such refreshingly original material. This is a rollercoaster ride in which you'll be on the edge of your seat the entire time. I found myself getting emotional a handful of times, I laughed multiple times, I was entirely intrigued from start to finish, I was thrilled, and most importantly, I was entertained by this wicked little flick. The performances are all magnificent across the board, particularly from Justin Marcel McManus, who turns in a spectacular performance that's both endearing and heartwrenching. This film serves as a perfect example of what can be achieved when every element, aspect and crew member are firing from all cylinders. MovieFestUK - IG.