Review: The Rider (Short Film)

Introduction

A Night Cruise-Courtesy The Rider

The Rider is an intriguing new short film by Justin Stillmaker.

It takes place in a fractured society where murder is a business and it looks like the competition is fierce.  Not only are the “murderers for hire” in competition with one another, but from what I can tell, someone or something else, is tracking their kills.  With success comes perks, and The Rider knows to get those perks you have to beat the competition until you’re number one.  And The Rider is driven to succeed.

A Dystopian World Order?

When murder is a business, it’s a safe bet that the world where that happens, is dystopian.  That being said, Stillmaker makes some effective choices in establishing the mood and tone of the film.  The lighting, setting choices and camera angles really promote the feeling of a world that is dark, oppressive and harsh.  The Rider goes about his work with solitary action, emphasizing a feeling of isolation.  His isolation presents risk.  His solitary existence means he has no one at his back and is easily outnumbered in physical conflict.  Necessity demands he choose his movements economically and carefully.  All of these elements generate suspense for the audience.

We see no creature comforts in his world.  Rest, work, repeat.  The spoils come only to the victor and so we see his motivation at play – a never ending pursuit of his elevation of rank to the coveted number one spot.  But she is in the way.  And she is not happy that he is catching up.

The Phone Call

The Rider’s nemesis is a woman who traded her name for a number.  Number One to be exact, and she holds that rank in the world of “murder for hire.”

Number One-Courtesy The Rider

Her phone call is meant to warn The Rider to stay in his own lane.  While I can’t give too much away, I will say that Number One dispatches two henchmen on The Rider and some hand-to-hand combat takes place.  It’s well done and it ups the ante of tension and excitement.  The sound effects of the “glove weapons” I found particularly cool, and there is also a little comedic effect where one henchmen meets his demise.

Stillmaker uses the contrasting settings of The Rider and Number One to great effect.  The contrasts contribute to the audiences understanding The Rider’s desire to usurp her.  Where his world is dark, hers is light.  His world is concrete and steel, where hers in trees and grass.  He stands alone where she has allies.

How will Things Unfold?

There is a climactic scene, as can be expected.  Saying more will give away too much of the film, so instead I will round off this review by saying The Rider offers good entertainment, suspense, drama and excitement.  One thing is for sure, should this short film be developed into a feature length film, it has the ability to go in so many directions.  I eagerly await any one of them.  I have so many questions!