MOVIE REVIEW
The Abandon
- 
Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller, Horror
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 38m
Director(s): Jason Satterlund
Writer(s): Dwain Worrell
Cast: Jonathan Rosenthal, Tamara Perry
Where To Watch: in select theaters on July 19, 2024, and On-Demand and Digital on July 30
RAVING REVIEW: From the outset, THE ABANDON immerses viewers in the confined and unpredictable existence of U.S. soldier Miles Willis, portrayed by Jonathan Rosenthal. After a mysterious event on an Iraqi battlefield, Miles is trapped inside a baffling cube-like structure. With only his military training to rely on, he navigates a setting that constantly shifts, posing mental challenges through cryptic messages and altering landscapes. A distant voice on a phone becomes his only link to the outside world, hinting at a possible escape.
THE ABANDON establishes itself as a competent addition to the sci-fi thriller genre, inviting comparisons with films that explore themes of entrapment and enigma. Directed by Jason Satterlund and written by Dwain Worrell, the film gradually builds tension, echoing the traditions of the 'locked box' mystery genre that has intrigued viewers historically.
As the narrative unfolds, Miles teams up with Damsey Robins, played by Tamara Perry, who faces similar trials from another isolated location. Their collaboration is pivotal as they tackle complex puzzles and cryptic clues that might lead to salvation or further peril. Their dynamic showcases the resilience and ingenuity to survive the film’s challenging maze.
Central to THE ABANDON is Miles's evolving psychological profile, whose fluctuating emotions range from despair to determination. The film attempts to stretch the conventions of its genre by delving into the mental and physical aspects of confinement, aiming to engage the audience’s reasoning skills. The script offers several intriguing moments of originality, but the performances occasionally struggle to match that same level.
The connection between Miles and Damsey is evident, though separated by distance. Their urgent need to connect and solve the puzzle enhances the suspense, keeping viewers engaged with each new revelation about their bizarre situation.
Director Satterlund effectively crafts a captivating setting where the environment plays a crucial role as the characters themselves. It’s an interesting take on a genre that we’ve seen before; as I often mention, while a 2.5 on some people’s rating scale is “bad,” I place a film with this rating right in the middle. It’s not a fantastic film, but it’s also not a horrible movie in any way.
THE ABANDON might leave viewers with unresolved questions, employing an open-ended finish that could frustrate those seeking more straightforward resolutions. This choice might stimulate discussion and pave the way for sequels, but it also risks leaving the narrative incomplete.
The film also explores deeper themes of isolation and the symbolic significance of being confined, which resonate with the broader human experience of facing and overcoming restrictions. The shrinking spaces around Miles and Damsey symbolize the broader struggle individuals and societies face for freedom.
As a testament to what independent cinema can achieve, THE ABANDON demonstrates that solid storytelling can sometimes compensate for limited resources, securing a place in the landscape of sci-fi thrillers. While it offers intellectual and emotional engagement, the film may only partially satisfy those seeking a more definitive exploration of its themes. Still, it remains a decent watch for those interested in a movie that probes resilience and escape from metaphorical cages.
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[photo courtesy of LIONSGATE]
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