Thriller
United States of America
Slow Machine is an independent film directed by Joe Denardo and Paul Felten, and stars Stephanie Hayes, Eleanor Friedberger, and Chioke Nassor. The film follows the story of Stephanie, an actress living in New York City who forms a connection with Gerard, an NYPD counter-terrorism specialist who is also fascinated by experimental theater. When their flirtation turns sour, Stephanie finds herself seeking refuge in the home of musician Eleanor Friedberger. However, Stephanie's supposed escape is soon tainted by memories of past violence, leading her to question whether she'll ever truly find a sense of safety and belonging.
The film is a unique blend of genres, encompassing romance, drama, thriller, and even experimental theater. It explores themes such as trauma, identity, and the search for connection and meaning in life. The acting is well done and the soundtrack, which features songs by Friedberger herself, adds an additional layer of depth to the film's emotional atmosphere.
Slow Machine received critical acclaim upon its release, with praise for its unique blend of genres, strong performances, and atmospheric direction. It premiered at the 2019 Locarno Film Festival and went on to screen at numerous festivals around the world, including the New York Film Festival, where it was a Critics Pick in 2020.
