Director: Natasha Kermani
Notable Cast: Brea Grant, Dhruv Uday Singh, Kausar
Mohammed, Kristina Klebe, Chase Williamson, Leith M. Burke, Jesse Merlin
When it comes to independent genre cinema, one simply can’t ignore
the powerhouse ‘triple threat’ that is Brea Grant. Actress, writer, and director,
she’s become such a dynamic and important voice that if you haven’t made note
of her – do it now. For the focus of this review, Lucky, she serves as
both the lead actress and writer, but what really sets this film aside is her teaming
up with Natasha Kermani, the very artistic and stylish director of Imitation
Girl. When it comes to bold, thoughtful post-genre cinema, the combination tantalizes.
To have them work together on a film like Lucky is almost too good to be
true. Yet, as the credits roll on the film during Shudderfest 2020, the
combination proves as fascinating as expected. Lucky is a densely
message heavy horror thriller, anchored by an incredibly nuanced performance
from Brea Grant, that uses its artistic atmosphere, dream-like narrative, and
pops of brutal violence to hammer home its themes.