Some films are made purely for entertainment, while others become an experience that the watcher carries with them whether they want it to or not. The psychological Thriller Felt takes the latter approach. For some viewers, this uncomfortably surreal movie, released June 26, 2015, may be hard to watch, yet it is a must see as it portrays what many women go through in life and what society often expects of them. Directed and produced by Jason Baker (Teenage Paparazzo 2010, Toad Road 2012), Felt was co-written by Baker and artist Amy Everson (A Reunion 2014), who based the script on real life experiences along with her actual artwork. Everson also took on the starring role as Amy, giving a raw, heartfelt look into what it means to be a female in a male dominated world while living with a past experience, never actually spoken of, yet implied, as both an emotional and physical sexual assault. The other lead actors in this film are Kentucker Audley (V/H/S 2012, The Sacrament 2013) as Amy’s love interest, Kenny, and Alanna Reynolds as Amy’s friend, Alanna. Although this film is only eighty minutes, it packs a wallop of emotional turbulence into that short time that keeps the watcher thinking long after the ending credits roll.
- Still from Felt
Felt artist Amy (Everson) is constantly facing off with her past sexual trauma. Every day is a struggle of exertion and pain, an hour to hour emotional battle with not wanting to exist. No one seems to understand and she feels completely alone. Amy brings the watcher through the unending contention that many women deal with on a daily basis – the idea that females are sexual objects and that their consent to many things is often overlooked. She slowly begins to isolate herself from everyone who loves her, creating an alter-ego. Her new personality is wholly male and is created through a felt costume that she creates and adds to throughout the film. The costume empowers her, makes her feel safe and gives her the courage to keep living, becoming an escape from reality. Her friend, Alanna, observes Amy slowly slipping away as she relates more and more to her male persona. Her behaviors begin to disturb her other friends, but because she keeps her trauma a secret, they do not know what is going on or how to help her. Amy retreats to her secret place in the woods, her own personal solitude, where she can escape and freely become her male extension.
- Stll from Felt
As she gains a little strength back from her alter-ego, Amy eventually meets a man, Kenny (Audley), whom she instantly pushes away. Over time, she does develop a friendship with Kenny, and he builds up her trust bit by bit every day as he tries to understand and then fall in love with this deeply disturbed woman. Amy finally feels like she is in a safe place and relaxes, trusting Kenny to provide the protection and love that she needs, realizing that despite her issues, he has stayed and maybe she can be herself again. The feeling of safety and happiness quickly unravels, though, as Roxanne reveals some disturbing news about Kenny, and Amy’s alter-ego completely takes over.
- Still from Felt
- Amplify
With a title that may be used as a verb or a noun, Felt is an amazing film. The story, while disturbing, is not only exquisitely told, but realistically accurate. The audience feels as if they are a part of the story as it is told in such a raw and authentic way. The characters, the emotions, and the scenery all play a huge part in this fantastically heartbreaking film. Felt is a must see for everyone, male or female – a horrible story told beautifully. CrypticRock gives Felt 5 out of 5 stars.
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