Her Name Was Christa

Her Name Was Christa is James L Edwards' (Polymorph, Bloodletting) directorial debut. With his background in independent movies helped tremendously. He brought together a very talented cast and production team. It's a well written film. This love story progressed into an obsession with a climactic end that used amazing special effects.

Writer/director James L. Edwards' Her Name Was Christa functions as a fascinating character study of Stephen (played by Edwards), an extremely lonely man who, at the urging of a co-worker, decides to seek out female companionship. Soon he's embarking on a "girlfriend experience" relationship with a call girl who goes by the name Candy, but we'll come to find out that her real name is Christa (Shianne Daye). Sure, Stephen is paying Christa for everything they do together, but their interactions are actually rather sweet. The structure of Her Name Was Christa reminded me of Takashi Miike's Audition in the way that it plays like a love story, complete with a love montage, up to the point when things go horribly wrong. The love doesn't exit the picture when things go bad here, though. I was impressed by how well-written Edwards' dialogue is in Her Name Was Christa. Edwards also delivers a strong performance as Stephen, making him a likeable character we can understand and sympathize with even when he's making questionable decisions we can't condone. Daye is flawless in the role of Christa. She and Edwards have to carry a lot of this movie on their shoulders, and she proves to be fully capable of doing so. While Her Name Was Christa does get very dark, disturbing, and (thanks to some special effects work courtesy of Alan Tuskes) downright disgusting, it's captivating throughout. Even when appalled I couldn't look away, and I was invested in seeing how it would all turn out for Stephen and Christa. Some viewers won't be able to handle the gross-outs found in the second half, but this movie is going to find some very appreciative fans - and it deserves to.

When I came across the title, I thought it would be alot more a horrific. Do not get me wrong, this is a very disturbing film. It had me twisting and turning in my seat, but that was first in the last half hour of the film, the other 90 minutes were a drama with a big heart and laugh mus le. The story was fresh with alot of great and funny lines, and the dialogue never felt staged. The acting also needs to be applauded here. The main cast were people you really felt and rooted for. Only when the movie takes a wild turn to the bizarre and in to the world of wtf?!?! Does it really get truly nasty and obnoxious, but you cannot help watching. This movie comes highly recommended and I Will keep an eye out for the next movie by mr Edwards.

I did not know what to expect going in to this, but in the end I was very impressed. It looked good and it sounded good. The acting was very, very, good. I thought I had an idea at the start of how the story would go, but I was wrong, and I was surprised. The bonus features were very good. I enjoyed the audio commentary. For me this was time well spent. Great job!

When it comes to indie flicks viewers sometimes are a little suspicious of quality when they see the same name for writer, director, and star. Thankfully, quality does not suffer with "Her Name Was Christa". "Her Name Was Christa" is a well made and interesting character study that takes a dive into the mind of a lonely, middle-aged man who finds love. The cover and plot description let you know that this is, in fact, a necrophilia love story and although the subject matter is disturbing, it only comes into play during the final act of the film. James L. Edwards gives one of his finest performances as the lead, playing an unhinged yet sympathetic character. The rest of the cast is solid as well, which can't be said on most indie endeavors. The dialogue is often witty and occasionally comedic without ever taking you out of the film. The technical aspects are good, including score and lighting which I recall above others. All and all "Her Name Was Christa" is a very good directional debut from a long time indie actor with something to prove.

This film was something the horror community needed! This film was put into my lap to review and like most films I have my phone in hand working but within the opening scenes it started to hook my attention. I actually made it through the entire film without my phone! Christa is a game changer with story telling! You get really into the two main characters and feel for them both. The acting on this film was excellent and it didn't make me feel like I was watching an indie film. The special effects were amazing and even a certain scene that made me realize why I love horror. Overall Christa was given 9/10 for the story telling, character development, gore fest, and not to mention how it brought my love of horror back! If you love horror then take the time to watch this film and support independent films because this film is going places!!

Her Name Was Christa is a full-out assault on the emotions. The extreme levels of sentiment and sensitivity that make up the subtext hit close to home and keep going from there. I can't recall the last movie that I would say was a major cinematic achievement, but this is definitely it. It is without a doubt the best movie I have seen in a VERY long time. The film reaches in and forces you to feel, much as Jean Rollin used to do in his films, but this goes beyond even that. I have to say that this film is very unique, and it is quite special. We are often touched by art, but the emotion of this film touched me in a way that no other film ever has. The chemistry between James Edwards and Shianne Daye radiated offscreen and felt truly genuine as if the two had actually been through this and made a movie based on the true story. The FX by Alan Tuskes were something to be adored and admired, the writing is top notch, the masterful cinematography pulls you in, and the acting is something rarely seen these days. This is more powerful than any drama I can think of.

Out of these reviews why has no one pointed out that this is NOT A HORROR MOVIE?! ***This is a romantic drama!*** WTF? Not only that but, the worst romantic drama I have ever seen lol! If you want an Ed Wood level romantic drama you've found your jam in Her Name Was Christa, except really, really, really long and boredom like you've never experienced. I mean BORING!! This guy should be in horror movie jail.