Third Contact - Reviews & Podcast Interviews

Few independent film makers could accomplish what Simon Horrocks has with his debut feature-length piece Third Contact, which is to combine a theme that siezes your attention with a stimulating attack on the senses, and all on an astonishingly modest budget.

It is no surprise that it was well received upon debuting at the 46 Hofer Filmtage, there is a refreshing lack of self-indulgence and a frank honesty to the characters that draws you in and keeps you captivated. Aside from this Third Contact is much more than just a film, it is a surrealist work of art and should be appreciated as such.

A fascinating exploration of sanity, grief and death the film centres around Dr David Wright (skillfully portrayed by Tim Scott-Walker), an emotionally tormented psychotherapist filled with anguish after a patient's apparent suicide and loss of his lover. He questions whether it is those that are happy that are truly insane and makes an attempt on his own life, only to be interrupted by Erika Maurer (Jannica Olin), the patient's sister, who wants to discuss the strange circumstances surrounding her brother's death. With nothing more to go on than a list of memories the two embark on a journey of discovery that gets more mysterious and obscure the further they delve.

Although I have attempted to summerise Third Contact I must stress that to do so seems to do it, and the reader, a disservice as it is difficult for me to convey the sheer artistic brilliance and visual beauty the work possesses. The use of the camera to depict David's spiral into obsession is disorientating yet mesmerising and the bleak greys and blacks of the present are magnificently mixed with intense flashbacks of colour.

There is a darkness to the story with is recurring theme of suicide and the idea of parallel universes, whereby a death in one sense means freedom in another. However, the poetic use of dialogue and startling imagery make it a real joy to watch. Horrocks and his cast should be immensely proud of what they have achieved.

Katie-Jane Hall THE LONDON FILM REVIEW

Once again, we've had an amazing independent screener submitted for review. It's a cryptic character driven melancholy portrait of depression, loss and death called Third Contact.

The film is a moving experience that not only qualifies as cinema but could also be considered a masterful piece of art with its poetic use of mystery and dialogue, all the while building a distinct sense of desperation. Where most independent films might fail, Third Contact overwhelmingly succeeds. Unlike many other independent films, it is not a self indulgent work but instead works to it's strong points by maintaining a great use of music and color as the film varies in it's use of black and white film then shifts to strikingly vivid flashbacks. Even more impressive is it's feature length of one hour and thirty five minutes while skillfully manipulating the attention of the viewer. When this gets a release to the web or digital format, we would definitely like to post a link to allow our readers to see this film. We absolutely enjoyed this unique film that chronicles a mysterious death and one man's struggle to find closure. Third Contact is one of the best screeners we've had the chance to review and would strongly suggest seeing it.

Christopher George MOVIE SLEUTH

Simon Horrocks interviewed by Bob Zerull

MP3 DOWNLOAD

Simon Horrocks interviewed by Jo Whitehall