The Trailer:
Director: Daniel Stamm
Cast: G.J. Echternkamp, Valerie Hurt, Michael Traynor, Matthew Tilley & Konima Parinkson-Jones
Synopsis: A documentary following a film student (G.J. Echternkamp) shooting his own documentary following a suicidal individual (Matthew Tilley) in his last days before committing his final act.
THIS IS NOT A REAL DOCUMENTARY. There is some confusion for some viewers whether this is real or not. For me, it is fairly obvious that this isn't real, but I can see how some people could believe that it is. But it's not, it's a mockumentary. And a pretty good one, if you ask me. A Necessary Death takes a real, controversial subject matter and brings it to the forefront to be discussed and pondered over. Is suicide okay? If yes, under what circumstances? Does there even need to be a reason? Could this ever be a personal choice that is not looked down upon (i.e. euthanasia)? what are the religious concerns? Should religion be brought into the debate? And all of this is done in a documentary format which really works. Because instead of focusing on the pathos that is usually pushed forth in a narrative film, this is like looking at the subject through a magnifying glass. Suicide is being presented through an objective perspective. This film does move along at a slower pace, but, again due to the documentary style, it works. And it also allows for the emotions and concerns that all the characters feel about it as they film assume genuineness and truly mirror real emotions regarding the subject: sadness, anger, disappointment, pity, confusion, disgust, etc. Considering all this, for me personally, this film had a more severe resonance and impact.
The actors did phenomenal. I've stated before in previous reviews that when it comes to found-footage, or in this case mockumentary, dialogue is key. If the dialogue sounds scripted or just not how people really talk to one another it loses that reality essence the director is going for thus ending the fantasy of the film. G.J. Echternkamp as Gilbert is a real person, I've met this person before: a person so engrossed and dedicated to their work that he/she will go through any obstacle to achieve it. There was nothing fake or forced about the character. Mathew Tilley as Matt is effortless. He was convincing as this near-death, cancer-stricken individual who wants a dignified death before he is ravaged by cancer. And Valerie Hurt and Michael Traynor as their characters did amazing as Gilbert's sounding board and moral compass. And then Konima Parkinson-Jones as Matt's stepsister was perfect at asking the hard questions of the group and forcing them to see their own immorality at this project. All together they each represented the different viewpoints regarding suicide, and particularly in this film, euthanasia.
The moment the documentary style starts to disintegrate is when the narrative of the story really begins to play a larger part than the subject matter of suicide. The film really starts to delve into a drama and a love-triangle that just isn't necessary. And because of this drama, the ending loses what could have been a very poignant and heartbreaking moment and turns into something that is just silly. It became less about the choice of suicide, of when death comes and became more about revenge and anger between two people. The ending is really the only thing that I dislike about the film, because up until that point I really enjoyed it.
I enjoyed this film as a mockumentary. Like I said, it forces viewers to really think about suicide and euthanasia, to really question whether it's moral. It starts a discussion about these topics that really need to be talked about. There is still so much controversy and disagreement about this subject. And honestly, A Necessary Death could have really been a film of reference about the subject if it weren't for the stupid love-triangle ending.
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