Jay (Daniel Krstyen) is, to say the least, a thief. He’s made a living off of stealing and selling cell phones; but when he finds a cell phone on a subway car, his life begins to change. A Markov Chain is defined as “...a stochastic model describing a sequence of possible events in which the probability of each event depends only on the state attained in the previous event.” After Jay finds that phone, every decision he makes causes a reaction, and he’s never entirely sure which direction his life is going to head now. When he receives a call from Robert (Daniel Martin Berkey), he begins following the trail of a missing girl–but what he finds is not what he expected.
The Markov Chain is incredibly fun. The mystery that surrounds the narrative is welcoming, and Writers Ezra Bookstein and Doug Miro do a wonderful job of developing a story that will appeal to many. Bookstein doubles as the director as well, and it’s clear that he has a firm grasp on the realities of filmmaking and how to reach viewers.
With that being said, however, there is one issue present in The Markov Chain that I just can’t get past. Berkey is too clean shaven, too well put together to convey psychopathy–and it’s absolutely not his fault. It’s the direction that allows this aspect of the film to fail, and that’s somewhat curious, because, as previously mentioned, the rest of The Markov Chain is directed so beautifully. Berkey's performance is good, and he conveys emotion well, but it becomes difficult to believe him in this role as a result of his aesthetic. A little makeup or a five-o’clock shadow–just a small change in his appearance would have worked wonders for the character and the film.
While it often appears that aspects of The Markov Chain are lighthearted, and it very much appears to be about Jay attempting to help a stranger–there’s this uncomfortability that exists throughout the film in its entirety. Whether it’s the tones of the actors’ voices or the darkness that fills the screen, viewers remain aware that something horrible is lurking in the background. That unease is ultimately what drives The Markov Chain forward, and it’s Brookstein and his direction that creates what brings that aspect of the film to life. In that suspense, viewers are compelled to attempt to solve the mystery along with Jay–and their participation in the film allows them to better connect with the characters and the overall narrative.
There are some acting issues present throughout The Markov Chain–but never from the most prominent actors (Krstyen and Berkey). While the others don’t necessarily ruin the film, the reality is that they often fail to convey emotion or help to develop the film appropriately. It’s certainly possible to overlook these minor transgressions–but it’s necessary to mention it regardless.
The Markov Chain’s finale isn’t a total surprise, but it’s the twist that viewers needed and wanted. It works well to wrap up the film and bring all of its moving parts to a close. Krstyen and Berkey working opposite one another is incredible, and they allow things to be wrapped up nicely. The Markov Chain, as a whole, is a wonderfully entertaining film that invites viewers in early and never lets them go. You are guaranteed to love this film–I guarantee it.
Directed by Ezra Bookstein.
Written by Ezra Bookstein & Doug Miro.
Starring Daniel Krstyen, Daniel Martin Berkey, David Marr III, Jimmy Dalton, Danielle Guido, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
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