-Written by Kyle Bain.
2024 HOLLYSHORTS FILM FESTIVAL REVIEW!
Bill (Yianni Sines), is a misogynist, though he strongly believes that he has the best interest of his wife, Lilith (Deana Taheri), in mind. However, when he one day takes his abuse too far, Lilith gets the last laugh–killing him and creating the perfect husband out of his remains.
More often than not when I watch (and review) a film, I tend to believe that the majority of viewers will see things the way that I do. Whether they draw these conclusions on their own, or they’re influenced by my writing I’m never sure. However, my thought remains the same–that I see films in a way that others also likely will. Once in a while, however, I see a film and either find things that I love or hate that I know others will likely disagree on. Bill is the latter–a film that just wasn’t for me, but I understand will likely develop a following and a high level of appreciation. How that affects my rating, though–that’s the real question.
Clearly inspired by the renowned Weekend at Bernie’s, pieces of this twisted film mirror exactly what you might remember seeing in that film. It was funny then, and it’s funny now. However, the derivative nature of the film may be off putting to some. That certainly makes sense, particularly in a world where repetition is so common in Hollywood–and I can certainly see how Bill might be challenging in this regard as a result.
With all of that said, BIll exists elsewhere prior to dipping into the fountain of Bernie–and that’s (I think) where the film has potential to thrive. Is it perfect? No–but it has potential to tantalize and entertain throughout regardless. There is something of an imbalance between comedy and drama, and while I think that’s intentionally done, I wanted more drama, more intensity. I suppose the murder of Bill should create some level of intensity, but Taheri and Director Emily Dhue approach it with more humor than horror. It doesn’t feel like a crime of passion, but rather one of necessity–necessary to the development of the film. Dhue seems to look at this aspect of the film as something that needs to happen, without regard for how it happens.
There’s a lot about Bill that I struggled to appreciate, but that I think will work for others. Whether it’s the imbalance between drama and comedy, the decision to have Taheri act psychotic rather than remorseful, the decision to take content directly from Weekend at Bernie’s, or something else entirely–there are a number of things that made Bill challenging for me, but it’s those same things that will likely appeal to others.
Directed by Emily Dhue.
Written by Deana Taheri.
Starring Deana Taheri, Yianni Sines, & Zac Branciforte.
5.5/10 = WORTH WATCHING, BUY YOU’VE BEEN WARNED
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