Black Conflux

Watch Black Conflux

  • PG-13
  • 2021
  • 1 hr 40 min
  • 5.9  (181)
  • 84

Black Conflux is a Canadian independent film that was directed and written by Nicole Dorsey, it was released in 2019. The movie tells the story of two characters, a teenage girl named Jackie and a middle-aged man named Dennis, and their individual yet intertwined paths in a small town in Newfoundland. The film opens with a close-up shot of Jackie, played by Ella Ballentine, a high school student who longs to leave her hometown and find something more exciting. Jackie is introduced as a misfit and is seen struggling with adolescent issues of identity, love, and belonging. She is an outcast at school and is often harassed by the older boys. Jackie's character is portrayed as rebellious and a bit of a wild spirit.

Dennis, played by Ryan McDonald, is a reserved and withdrawn man who spends his days working as a repairman for a local service company. He is divorced and lives in a small apartment near Jackie's home. His character is deeply troubled, and we gradually discover he has a dark side, particularly his violent tendencies. Dennis is a man who feels rejected by society and is envious of the youth and freedom that Jackie has.

The film takes place in the late 1980s, and the setting is a small town. The director, Nicole Dorsey, offers an intricate portrayal of the town's life, showcasing the locals' mundane daily activities, routines, and social interactions. The movie is set amidst a period of social and economic upheaval, particularly from the economic recession. We see the struggles of the working-class residents and how it directly impacts their lives.

The movie is seen from the perspectives of Jackie and Dennis, and the two characters' stories run parallel throughout, with their paths eventually crossing. Their connection is hinted at early on in the movie, and as the story progresses, both characters' lives start to spiral out of control, leading to an unexpected climax.

The film's cinematography is one of its strongest points, with the camera work incredibly nuanced and almost a character in itself. The close-up shots capture emotions exquisitely, with scenes of Jackie peering down from a high vantage point or Dennis' face being reflected in the rear-view mirror of his car, enhancing the mood of isolation and loneliness.

The editing is another success in Black Conflux. The transitions between Jackie and Dennis' scenes are handled seamlessly, with a circular time structure that relays the movie's message perfectly. The movie's color palette enhances the somber tone, with a predominantly grey and unfiltered color scheme.

The movie has a fantastic soundtrack that complements the film's mood and period correctly. It includes music from Tom Petty, Lou Reed, and the Cars, reminiscing the 1980s era.

Black Conflux excels in its storytelling, which is refreshing and raw, avoiding sensationalism or predictability. The film taps into the liminal moments of doubt, fear, and uncertainty that characterize the human experience, and realistically portrays the characters' struggles. The movie deals with themes of abuse, loneliness, and teenage angst and is a coming-of-age story that portrays both the beauty and pain of life's transitions beautifully.

In conclusion, Black Conflux is an outstanding independent movie that showcases the prowess of Canadian cinema. The movie's setting and narrative are unique, and the storytelling is striking, masterfully capturing the complexities of human emotions. While it may not be for everyone, Black Conflux is a film for those who appreciate nuance and intricate storytelling.

Black Conflux is a 2021 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 40 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 84.

Black Conflux
Description
Where to Watch Black Conflux
Black Conflux is available to watch free on Plex, Tubi TV and Kanopy. It's also available to stream, download and buy on demand at Apple TV, Amazon and Vudu. Some platforms allow you to rent Black Conflux for a limited time or purchase the movie and download it to your device.
  • Release Date
    2021
  • MPAA Rating
    PG-13
  • Runtime
    1 hr 40 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    5.9  (181)
  • Metascore
    84