I was fortunate to view this movie at Outfest L.A. just this past Sunday. After the showing, the director (Mark Jackson) and actor (Joslyn Jensen) did a Q & A. That helped a lot in understanding what he was trying to do with this plot. I liked this film, and must say that Joslyn is great in this role. The plot is centered entirely around her character, and she provides your whole view of this story; which is a good thing, because you can concentrate on the clues and red herrings thrown at you in that hour and a half of viewing. The setting is very good, and the opening brings you to her work at this cottage on an island (in Puget Sound, if I'm correct),to care for this elderly man while the family is gone for some reason or other. I didn't get a chance to confirm if it was all filmed in the house or if they did some of it on sets for the rooms (equipment sometimes needs space, you know). So, this is the kind of film that shows whether an actor can convince you that they are the character the director wants you to see; and Joslyn accomplished that task very well. I'm sure you'll like this film. I plan on seeing it again.

This movie made absolutely no sense. The caretaker, Jocelyn, was, at her best neglectful of her responsibilities around the house and at her worst, very abusive towards and inappropriate around the man she was supposed to be taking care of. Considering the fact that she was at the house for no more that a week or two, her gradual mental deterioration and feelings of loneliness and paranoia seemed to make no sense. Overall her sporadic change in behavior as well as the noticeable and unexplained changes of the townspeople that she interacted with was weird and unnecessary. And when the movie wasn't weird and jumpy, it was just really slow and boring. Even though I've read the synopsis and descriptions on both hulu and on here, I'm still honestly not sure what this movie is supposed to be about. Everyone was weird and none of the characters (except for the elderly man) was worth caring about.

I had the pleasure of watching this movie at Slamdance 2011 a few days ago and can't stop thinking about it. "Without" has such a nuanced story that it offers a lot, I think, upon a second or third viewing (unfortunately I've only seen it once). Joslyn Jensen's performance was mesmerizing, made more so by the excellent cinematography.

The film takes you in different directions, and you're never sure where you're going to be left until the credits roll. It tries to tell many stories, and in some ways may be overreaching with this ambition. This is okay, though, as the journey is well worth it, and gives you many things to think about over the following days.

If you get the chance, see this movie. I hope it'll get distribution in the near future.