Watch Melvin

Melvin is a 2009 independent film that was written, directed, and produced by Henry Weintraub. The movie follows the story of Melvin (Leif Fuller), a socially challenged video game designer who is disrespected and ridiculed by his co-workers, especially his boss. He has an unrequited crush on his coworker Lisa (Kayla Hixson), who barely acknowledges his existence. He lives alone in his messy, cluttered apartment with his cats and his mother's ashes.

Melvin's life changes when he meets a girl named "Goth Girl" (Meredith Adelaide) in a chatroom. Goth Girl shares Melvin's love for horror movies and video games, and the two quickly hit it off. Their online relationship soon turns into a real-life one, and Melvin is convinced that he has finally found someone who understands him.

However, everything that can go wrong for Melvin does go wrong. His boss (Patrick Moug) fires him without warning, citing Melvin's lack of social skills and inability to think creatively. Lisa tells him that she is dating someone, crushing Melvin's hopes of ever being with her. To make matters worse, Goth Girl is not what she seems, and Melvin finds himself getting entangled in a web of lies and deceit.

As Melvin's world falls apart, the movie takes a dark turn, and we see the extent of Melvin's pain and suffering. His character starts off as a pathetic, cringe-worthy person who is hard to root for, but as the movie progresses, we get to see his vulnerable side, and it becomes clear that he is not just a one-dimensional character.

The movie addresses several themes, including loneliness, rejection, and mental illness. It shows the dangers of online relationships and the importance of empathy and human connection. The movie has a bleak, depressing tone but is offset by moments of dark humor.

One of the movie's strengths is its portrayal of Melvin. Leif Fuller does an excellent job of bringing Melvin to life, and we can't help but feel sympathy for him, despite his flaws. Kayla Hixson and Meredith Adelaide also give strong performances, although they have limited screentime.

The movie's low budget does show in some parts, and the pacing can be slow at times. However, the excellent soundtrack and cinematography make up for these shortcomings.

In conclusion, Melvin is a thought-provoking movie that explores the dark side of human nature. It is not an easy watch, but it is a rewarding one. The movie raises important questions about mental health, social isolation, and the dangers of the internet. It is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys independent cinema and is not afraid of confronting uncomfortable themes.