The Horror Zine
Rule of Three
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The Horror Zine Review

Rule of Three

A Film from Wildlight Entertainment and Big Screen Entertainment Group

Director: Eric Shapiro
Actors: Rodney Eastman, Rhoda Jordan, Ben Siegler
Studio: Big Screen Entertainment Group
Format: DVD, Netflix Instant
Language: English
Release Date: 2010
Run Time: 85 mins
ASIN: B003ZYJS2E

Rule of Three

Rodney Eastman

Rule of Three

A Film by Eric Shapiro

Review by Erika Lindsen

Rule of Three centers on the disappearance of Lo (played by Rhonda Jordan). Her father, Jon  (played by Ben Siegler), will not rest until he has some answers. There are three storylines to this film; Jon’s search, Lo and her boyfriend on a weekend, and the lonely and desperate Brian, who wants to have sex with a married friend. The three plots all take place in the same motel room.

The first, and furthest in the past, is Brian’s story. In an act of desperation, he resorts to attempting to buy Rohypnol, the date-rape drug called Ruffies. A drug dealer meets him at the motel to make the exchange, only things are not as easy as Brian had hoped. The character of Brian is played by Lee Schall, who does a fantastic job of conveying desperation, extreme anxiety, and being the creepy guy we all want to avoid. The drug dealer is also a very convincing role, bringing sleazy to the table effortlessly.  

The next plot-line is that of Lo and her boyfriend. After some time in the dating pool, these two are ready to take their relationship to the next level through a threesome. They discuss many possibilities, settling on a friend. I like the boyfriend’s role. It’s impressive how he brings the “every day young man” to the movie. As for the role of Lo, I would have liked to have seen more emotion brought out in the character. At times she seems sterile and unconvincing.

The final storyline is that of Jon, the father. After it seems like law enforcement is slacking on the job, Jon decides to investigate the motel where his daughter was last seen. Jon’s role as a father on the brink of desperation is really well played. Each word and action he takes is very believable. Overall, the acting in this film works seamlessly.  

Debut director Eric Sharpio brings a raw energy to Rule of Three. Sometimes it has the feel of a documentary but the visuals flow nicely together. The choice of actor placement really works and the camera settings are shot beautifully. There is only a glimpse at some blood and gore, but the images still get burned into your brain. I cannot wait to see more from director Eric Sharpio. 

The best thing about Rule of Three is the script. Story is everything, and throughout the entire  film from start to finish, it feels as though something dangerous is going to happen, which kept me glued to the screen. The tension is cranked to high, and as each scene passes, the suspense continues to grow very effectively. By the climax of the movie, I was on the edge of my seat, yelling at the characters. When all is revealed at the end, the surprising twist created chills running down my spine.

That said, the ending was a bit abrupt; I couldn’t help but feel like there was another ten minutes to the film that were edited out. The last scene was powerful, but too many questions were left unanswered, perhaps because I have an analytical mind. However, the positives do outweigh the negatives, and the positives include great direction, great acting, and a great story.

We know it doesn’t end well for Lo, but I found myself still hoping the ending would change. The viewer will pray that Jon finds some hope for his missing Lo. The tie-in of Brian’s story is surprising, and even shocking. The old school visuals bring back how a movie used to be made before all of the Hollywood fluff.

My recommendation is: if you’re looking for an indie thriller to check out, I say pick this film up. If you want suspense, you will be satisfied with Rule of Three.

 

Buy Rule of Three from Amazon HERE

About the Filmmaker

Eric Shapiro

Eric Shapiro

Eric Shapiro and Rhoda Jordan are a husband-and-wife team that runs Wildlight Entertainment, LLC. They produce, direct, and write motion pictures. Their first film, Rule of Three, was released from Big Screen Entertainment Group in 2010. The film performed well on the festival circuit, garnering praise from The Austin Chronicle, Fangoria, Dread Central, Monsters & Critics, and many more. 
 
RO3's writer/star, Rhoda Jordan, received the Best Acting Performance Award from Shriekfest for her work in the film. The Montreal Gazette called her screenplay "smart" in one review, and likened it to David Mamet's work in another.  
 
Director Eric Shapiro is a noted horror/sci-fi author, the work of whom was recently published in major anthologies alongside of Stephen King, Ray Bradbury, and Jack Ketchum. According to Fantasia Film Festival chief Mitch Davis, Shapiro can "best be likened to PT Anderson, James Foley or Steven Soderbergh."

About the Reviewer

Erika Lindsen

Erika Garduno

Erika Lindsen was born in "small town Ohio" in June 1987. In 2005 she received her cosmetology degree in high school, and quickly went to work. From a young age, all things scary and eerie turned Erika on to the world of horror. If it's Halloween, she is a happy girl. As an aspiring novelist, Erika is actively seeking representation for her work, which spans all genres. "Night of the Doll" is the first short story for Erika, who has been working on an urban fantasy novel titled Legends Among Us.

Erika loves taking beloved themes and turning them upside down. When not writing, she spends time with her husband and three pets, plus takes care of her nieces and nephew.

You can visit Erika at: erikalindsen.wordpress.com 

 

 

 

Rule of Three Film