Drew (Gore Adams) and June (Sam Quartin) are adopted siblings, and they are incredibly close–so close, in fact, that they are also lovers. Drew, with the help of his uncle Marvin (Dan Berkey), plans to escape the horrific grip of his pimp guardian Larry (Jay Giannone), but that will prove to be more difficult than he expected. Judas’ Chariot is the story of this young couple as they attempt to come to terms with their lives and determine the best possible way to proceed.
Judas’ Chariot is a twisted story about finding love in the strangest places–such as your adopted sibling. To be honest, this isn’t much different than the situation in which famed writer and director Woody Allen found himself in when he married his adopted step-daughter Soon-Yi Previn in 1997. People often say that love is blind, and you can’t help who you love–and I suppose that’s true, but the reality is that the majority of the world will find Drew and June’s love taboo (and rightfully so). The strange nature of Judas’ Chariot, however, is interestingly intriguing, as viewers attempt to understand in which direction the film will eventually turn.
Judas’ Chariot is a low-budget (I’m assuming) film with big-budget qualities. The production is well-done, the actors are talented, and the narrative is gripping. The one issue I have with the film, however, is the sound. Trying to find an appropriate volume throughout the course of the short film was nearly impossible as it ranged from deafening when people like Berkey’s Martin yelled and completely inaudible during intimate scenes between Drew and June. Constantly altering the volume of my computer while I watched became frustrating, but more importantly, it took away from my ability to fully absorb the content of the film.
That’s it, that’s my one complaint!
Set design and the locations used to film Judas’ Chariot are perfect, and everything about the story feels more natural as a result. Darkness permeates the sets and the numerous locations throughout the course of the film, and as viewers traverse the dingy streets on which June and Drew exist they can’t help but to fully understand the plights of their unique situation.
Every single actor has found themselves in a role that works well for them. They convey emotion, possess impeccable chemistry with the others on screen, and purvey a sense of distress in nearly every tense situation throughout Judas’ Chariot. The person I’m most impressed with is Quartin. She is placed in a number of situations that must have felt uncomfortable and difficult to be a part of, but she slays her lines, she exudes powerful emotion, and she outshines every single person in the scenes with her (and they, too, are incredibly talented).
This idea of struggle is one that many might not typically see in their day-to-day life, but exists nonetheless. Children have abusive guardians, and every single day those children, who often feel helpless, struggle to come to terms with their situations and to deal with them in an appropriate way–but those solutions don’t always come to those who need them. Judas’ Chariot explores this sentiment, and it expresses to viewers that not all good people get good things, and that sometimes we all suffer, regardless of who and/or what we are. As the narrative plays out, viewers can’t help but to feel connected to what writer-directors John Swab and Corey Asraf have to say–and everything is brought to life fluidly and effectively.
Judas’ Chariot is sure to ruffle some feathers with its twisted ways, but it is able to touch the hearts of a niche group of individuals for sure. If you’re willing to give Judas’ Chariot a chance you will come to realize that within the strange narrative is a story that should be able to resonate with everyone. Swab and Asraf’s unique film is interestingly fun, full of passion, and a dark, harrowing take on the family dynamic.
Written & Directed by John Swab & Corey Asraf.
Starring Jay Giannone, Sam Quartin, Gore Abrams, Dan Berkey, Clinton Sparks, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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