COHERENCE - THE HALLOWEEN HORRORS COLLECTION

By Guest Reviewer Rebecca Barr

From Director James Ward Byrkit, COHERENCE (2017) is a simplistically surreal sci-fi thriller that demonstrates the power of a strong script and cohesive cast.

A group of eight friends get together for a casual dinner party, the event inadvertently coinciding with the passing of a comet. What begins as an amicable evening soon descends into chaos when a power cut signals the beginning of a series of increasingly bizarre and unsettling events. As the old friends try to navigate the disconcerting scenario amidst rising tensions, loyalties are tested as the creeping paranoia causes old grudges and grievances to rear up.

From the inexplicable crack in the screen of a phone to the ominous messages left by unknown assailants, the fearful friends try to make sense of the unusual events from their isolated locale. Suspecting they are being watched, they desperately try to seek assistance from a neighbouring home, only to discover they have seemingly stumbled upon parallel versions of themselves. At odds with how to proceed, the cracks in the relationships begin to deepen, with secrets and underlying resentments brought to the fore.

Coherence evolves into a cleverly crafted game of Schrodinger’s cat and mouse, as the group try to remain one step ahead of their mysterious counterparts in a plot that has similarities to Jordan Peele’s ‘Us’. Interestingly, Byrkit also makes use of real-life twins Nicholas Brendan and Kelly Donovan, and as the feature progresses the viewer finds themselves questioning what (or rather, who) they are seeing.

Whilst not strictly a ‘found footage’ feature, Coherence creates the perception of immersion with its shaky camera work and creative focus. Shot entirely in one location, the film focuses heavily on character development and the natural feeling dialogue builds a sense of authenticity that enables the viewer to feel invested in the fate of the group. Though Coherence has an air of an indie movie, this isn’t a detraction - instead working in its favour to evoke a sense of reality that draws the viewer in.

The contrast between the authentic dynamic of the group and the complex science fiction themes results in an accessible genre piece that would work for a range of audiences and manages to feel new in a saturated area. Whilst not particularly fast paced, the strong performances of the cast work to build a connection with the audience and lead to the viewer pondering, in such a situation, what would you do?

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