Written by: Mitch McLeod | Directed by: Mitch McLeod | …
Icon of Betrayal
Written by: Annarie Boor | Directed by: Annarie Boor | Genre: Drama / Mystery |
Icon of Betrayal sets up its story in a flashback form, catching up to the present time by the end of the film. In the film, Reid (Isabel Nesti) breaks the fourth wall as she recounts her story of a greedy, slithery agent, a competing actress, and herself. Reid is an actress who was once on the fast track to superstardom. But her shine has faded a little, and her agent Quinton (Ed Keates) has picked up a younger model with star potential.
That younger model, Penelope (Florence Harvey), is at first excited to meet Reid, and is a big fan. But as time passes, even she understands what is happening and what Quinton is doing. The 2 were never friends to start, but that emotion sinks even lower until Reid comes up with a plan involving the trio. Icon of Betrayal starts off with a bloody knife, and leads you into thinking one thing, but by the end, something different has happened. We’re led to think Reid did all the stabbing, but that’s not quite it. Using a journalist as the frame for this dramatic mystery, filmmaker Annarie Boor was left free to pursue this story in any format she felt worked. The linear timelines could be abandoned if she wanted, and they were. The result is a story that grabs you in at the start and keeps you invested throughout this feature length, independent film. What really separates this film from many other independent movies, is the acting. Icon of Betrayal has some very talent driven content, and the acting plays a huge role in why this film worked so well. Isabel Nesti plays Reid Donovan, and she plays it in a calm and calculated way. Just like her character. Reid is a smart woman, and Isabel showcases that with seemingly no effort at all. But the same can be said about Penelope’s character. At first, she “comes across” as a little sketchy, but by the end, she fits the bill perfectly. Making Reid’s “plan” all the more interesting to watch. Quinton’s character is exactly how you imagine a shady agent to be. Need I say more? Boor’s film will appeal to people who enjoy a good, smart film that doesn’t rely on tricks to get you interested. It’s straight up drama without any excessive violence or graphic language. Icon of Betrayal is a technically sound film that really doesn’t look indie at all. If you enjoy a smart drama, you could do much, much worse. 4/5 Find this title online |