The Fare follows Harris (Gino Anthony Pesi) and Penny (Brinna Kelly) who appear to be stuck in a time loop. They endlessly play through the same scenario of Harris, a lonely cab driver, picking up Penny, a woman going on a random ride to the same location every time. In one iteration, Harris remembers that he has relived the ride and finally connects with Penny, who appears to recall each ride they have embarked on. Together, they work to try and figure out what the hell is happening to them and break the cycle.
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The Fare is a fantastic thriller that caught my completely off guard. What starts as an interesting plot, evolves into an intense story that leaves a lasting impression. I know my description is vague, but I have to keep it that way in order to protect the mystery of The Fare. Usually, when watching a film you can catch what is happening right away. If you watch closely, there are clues that reveal the twist to you long before it comes, but The Fare did such an excellent job that I was not sure until the moment the twist revealed itself.
On top of compelling storytelling, Harris and Penny have amazing chemistry. Throughout the film, you become attached to them and want to know why they are stuck in a time loop. Every time there is a reset, it comes at a cost to both of them and eventually to the viewer as well. Over time, Harris and Penny develop a relationship that is completely believable. Their conversations, no matter how mundane, feel like they are two people you know and care about.
Further, The Fare is beautifully shot in only a couple of locations but the cinematography is beautiful. The Fare’s excellent delivery of a story, the unexpected twist, and the attention to detail remind me why I enjoy watching films from smaller studios. Movies like The Fare and MOMO give me what I crave from movies released in the theater: a compelling story, likable characters, an original twist, and a satisfying ending. Sure, there are duds in the independent movie circuit. In fact, there is a whole subsection of films that are dedicated to being bad, but then you have films like The Fare that restore your faith.
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Overall, if you are looking for something different, thrilling, and original, The Fare is your choice. My only complaint is that I wish we got to see more of the world presented in The Fare, but is that really a complaint? You can check it out for yourself on Blu-ray November 19th.
WICKED RATING: 9/10
Director(s): D.C. Hamilton
Writer(s): Brinna Kelly
Stars: Gino Anthony Pesi, Brinna Kelly, Jason Stuart
Release: Available Nationwide on Blu-ray and VOD November 19th.
Studio/ Production Co: 501 Pictures, Public Displays of Affection, Grady Film
Language: English
Length: 82 min
Sub-Genre: Mystery, Romance, Thriller
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