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The Horror Zine Review

Golden Earrings

A Film by Marion Kerr

Director: Marion Kerr
Actors: Julia Marchese, John T. Woods, Lauren Mora
Studio: Film Crewe Productions
Format: Digital
Language: English
Release Date: September 2010
Run Time: 81 minutes
ASIN: n/a

Golden Earrings

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Golden Earrings

A Film by Marion Kerr

Review by Jorge Valdes

The indie film Golden Earrings, written and directed by Marion Kerr, is a fantastic psychological example of what can happen when a relationship may be a dangerous one. Ronnie (Julia Marchese) plays the lead character and is also our main point of view throughout most of the film. Sara (Marion Kerr) is the roommate who leaves for the weekend, and is the apple of Ronnie's eye.

Ronnie's obsession with Sara has become a bit unhealthy. Sara wants to begin a life of her own with her boyfriend, and feels that her relationship with the boyfriend is at stake as Ronnie's dangerous obsession deepens. Ronnie's jealousy and fanaticism is too much for Sara, causing her to break away sooner than expected.

What begins as a departure turns into a disappearance. With Sara missing, Ronnie suggests a game with Ouija board. Friend Jack (played by Teddy Goldsmith) opts out of playing with a clear warning that people shouldn't disturb things they don't understand, like calling on the dead. 

Toward the end of the film, Sara's disappearance obsesses in Ronnie's mind, and she begins to have a psychological breakdown which is heightened by certain mischievous behaviors and appearances. When the others discover Ronnie's secret, they back away and she's now more alone than ever. 

The other characters in the movie all are competent actors: Julian (John T. Woods), Fay (Lauren Mora), Jack (Teddy Goldsmith), and Alex (Anthony Dimaano) all realistically play a group of friends who tenderly care for Sara and Ronnie, and who know that Sara is Ronnie's world.

But it is Julia Marchese's portrayal of an eccentric Ronnie that is exceptionally well done, especially when Sara goes missing. Julia's performance is so impressive that it is hard to determine if Ronnie tries to scare her friends or if she is really scaring herself. 

Golden Earrings has a constant eerie tone. This film is able to project the ominous feeling that I was not alone. After watching it a few times, I feel more aware of the occult than before. The film is able to hold my attention; it is entertaining and well paced.

The record player creates a nice, creepy feel which is essential to the movie. The setting gives a strong, grounded feeling of the girls' relationship. The use of the pool and it's lighting is very well done, and the apartments are realistic for the effects used. Pictures tacked on walls gives insights into the characters' lives.

As in all good films, there is a twist at the end, and the viewer is left to wonder if the Ouija board has brought spirits to the apartment or if Ronnie, in her confused mental state, is imagining things. It is hard to determine if it is a mental manifestation or a spiritual presence, but it is intended to be that way. Golden Earrings is a film of psychological suspense. It raises questions on several different levels about relationships and about the occult. All in all, Golden Earrings is a very satisfying film and I enjoyed it.

 

See the movie here:

www.marionkerr.com

About the Filmmaker

Marion Kerr

Marion Kerr

Born and raised in Sacramento, CA, Marion Kerr moved to Los Angeles to pursue her love of filmmaking, acting and independent film. She received her B.A. in drama at UC Irvine and also studied at the New York Film Academy and in London, England.

Her debut as a writer/director is the award-winning "Golden Earrings" which screened at festivals around the country and was lauded by such filmmakers as Joe Dante ("Gremlins") and Rian Johnson ("Brick"). She recently appeared in the BRAVO pilot "Redesigning Your Life with Lainey Chase" and a commercial for Hartford Insurance. Other favorite projects include CBS's "How I Met Your Mother," a national "Heineken" commercial directed by Todd Haynes ("He's Not There," "Velvet Goldmine") and Sabi Pictures upcoming release, "Heart of Now." Find out more at www.marionkerr.com.

About the Reviewer

Jorge Valdes

Jorge Valdes

Jorge Baldomero Valdes Jr. was born in Lufkin, Texas, on August 28, 1984. His interests have always been an observer of the arts; he likes to look at things and to ponder them for a while. 

Jorge decided to write in 2007, and his direct influences have been his professors, including Joe R. Lansdale who teaches Creative Writing at Stephen F. Austin State University. Jorge graduated in 2009 with his major in Spanish and double minors, Ceramic Arts and of course, Creative Writing.

Today Jorge is a graduate student, majoring in English. If he happens to feel the need to paint, draw or write about how he feels, he does! To keep up with himself, he drinks lots of coffee.