Well, you have to survive the beginning. Some, ahem, not very believable acting skills from a couple of actors will make you want to stop watching. However, I gave it a chance and was pleasantly surprised. The story is interesting. Could have been done better but hey, you can say it almost about everything in this life, so let's not be perfectionists. Nice appearances from Matt Frewer, Costas Mandylor and William B. Davis (the Smoking Man from the X-files). If you like strange, mysterious stories give it a go, it will keep your interest despite an occasional cringe moment. BTW, felt a bit like 90's films, you know, Naked Lunch, eXistenZ and such :)
36 Reviews
Not for everyone.. But pretty decent for me!
mollykate30204 September 2017
Warning: Spoilers
The most immediate flick I can relate this to is the film John dies at the end. Lol maybe mixed in with a bit of Naked Lunch & The Hive (a great indie horror I strongly suggest u check out if u haven't seen it.) What to say, what to say... It's hard to talk too much about this flick without giving stuff away, but I will say pay attention to the beginning... Even though it may not make sense then, I actually went back and re-watched it after viewing the whole film. Another reviewer commented that the climax doesn't really leave room to breathe.. well watching the beginning again gave me a lil more sense of closure. I can give u a little rundown (hopefully) without giving too much away.. A trashy PI is given the opportunity to make some real money by delivering a package.. That package ends up being a journal that has very unusual effects on the reader.. As "the book" is discussed right off the bat in the movie I don't feel like its a major spoiler talking about it. The whole concept was cool, but I wish they'd had a bigger budget and been able to delve further into the journal..
The lead actor playing the PI is the reason I can't give this a higher rating.. His acting is pretty decent in some spots and not so great in others.. I liked the daughter tho, and the gf/hotel owner, and of course Lammont and Fairweather. This is the kinda movie that after the first 20 mins or so you're like ehhh, but if u can stick with it, it delivers in a weird sense. If ur into bizarre indie horror, you'll prb be down with this.
The lead actor playing the PI is the reason I can't give this a higher rating.. His acting is pretty decent in some spots and not so great in others.. I liked the daughter tho, and the gf/hotel owner, and of course Lammont and Fairweather. This is the kinda movie that after the first 20 mins or so you're like ehhh, but if u can stick with it, it delivers in a weird sense. If ur into bizarre indie horror, you'll prb be down with this.
A sort of 80's feeling Spoof!
areneehunt27 February 2018
When Residue began, I was sure it was going end with my demanding my ninety, or so, minutes back. I was wrong. It was a bit cheesy and there wasn't a great deal of money spent on FX and the story was mind-boggling. But I liked it!
This is one of those crazy movies where you wonder what's really happening and why? It's all about a book. You're not supposed to read it, but when you don't read it, you're already reading it! I know right! The craziest part is, it knows you, feeds off of your fears, and slowly plunges you into a darkness you can never escape from. Because you're around the book, the essence, the residue becomes a sort of vortex that sucks you're soul from you.
Residue, is a low budget movie that you want to dislike, but you're literally swept away! Yes, the FX are so cheesy you shake your head while watching. The acting, though okay, make it feel more comical than horrific. Then the story itself is kooky-creepy, like Creepshow or other 80's spoofs. It's not one I'll be adding to my movie collection, but if I was bored on a Friday night and looking for something on one of my movie channels, I'd watch it again! You'll just have to check it out for yourself Residue 2017 Written and Directed by Rusty Nixon Produced by Motorcycle Boys Productions Stars James Clayton, Taylor Hickson and Matt Frewer
Residue, is a low budget movie that you want to dislike, but you're literally swept away! Yes, the FX are so cheesy you shake your head while watching. The acting, though okay, make it feel more comical than horrific. Then the story itself is kooky-creepy, like Creepshow or other 80's spoofs. It's not one I'll be adding to my movie collection, but if I was bored on a Friday night and looking for something on one of my movie channels, I'd watch it again! You'll just have to check it out for yourself Residue 2017 Written and Directed by Rusty Nixon Produced by Motorcycle Boys Productions Stars James Clayton, Taylor Hickson and Matt Frewer
I thought it was a blast.
kevin-frogzilla28 January 2018
This film had a bunch of elements of 80's Carpenter and Cronenburg, and it included Max Headroom and The Smoking Man from X-Files. The lore is pretty solid, the practical FX are a very welcome throwback and look great. I loved watching this film, was one of the more original I've seen in the genre as of late.
This was unique...
paul_haakonsen19 January 2020
I didn't know what I was getting into here when I sat down to watch the 2017 movie "Residue" from writer and director Rusty Nixon. All I knew about the movie was that it had an interesting enough cover that had caught my attention.
Let me say that this movie is odd. Good odd or bad odd? Well, that is definitely up to the individual viewer. There is something of a "Naked Lunch" feel to the movie, so that should give you an indication of what you are getting yourself into when you watch this movie.
While the movie was watchable, I found it to be a bit too weird. I like strange movies, sure, but when it comes to the point where it starts to make little sense, then I am off the bandwagon.
"Residue" definitely benefits from having a group of nice actors and actresses on the cast list, which includes the likes of James Clayton, Matt Frewer and Costas Mandylor. I must admit that I was rather thrilled when Matt Frewer showed up on the screen, because he is just wonderful and he played nicely in this movie as well.
I am rating "Residue" five out ten stars. While the movie started out nicely, the bizarre storyline just lost me along the way, and I sort of just gave up towards the end with about 20 minutes left of the movie.
Let me say that this movie is odd. Good odd or bad odd? Well, that is definitely up to the individual viewer. There is something of a "Naked Lunch" feel to the movie, so that should give you an indication of what you are getting yourself into when you watch this movie.
While the movie was watchable, I found it to be a bit too weird. I like strange movies, sure, but when it comes to the point where it starts to make little sense, then I am off the bandwagon.
"Residue" definitely benefits from having a group of nice actors and actresses on the cast list, which includes the likes of James Clayton, Matt Frewer and Costas Mandylor. I must admit that I was rather thrilled when Matt Frewer showed up on the screen, because he is just wonderful and he played nicely in this movie as well.
I am rating "Residue" five out ten stars. While the movie started out nicely, the bizarre storyline just lost me along the way, and I sort of just gave up towards the end with about 20 minutes left of the movie.
Give it a Chance!
sabrewolf843 September 2020
So, fair warning, the first 20-25 minutes of this film are pretty brutal to watch. The acting, the editing, the directing; all brutal, BUT! at about the 25 minutes mark, the plot gets REALLY intriguing and the story starts to make up for much of the low production values, which themselves also improve significantly from the terrible opening. The ending is a bit soft and a little forceful, but wraps up the story especially well. Definitely give this a shot if you're a fan of bizarre cosmic horror, but please be willing to wait past the weak opening.
Residue is a good name for this inane tripe
MoviesRT28 July 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I can't believe how bad this is. And I thought I had seen all the super bad movies in the horror realm.
I saw two reviews that raved about it, but failed to note that both had never reviewed a film before. Must have been friends of the director because this is one of the worst movies I've ever seen.
It was done like an old Film Noir, with the detective's narration, but it just didn't work. I don't usually bother to review something unless I think I should save someone else the 82 minutes I wasted.
First off, it's not even slightly scary. Secondly, no one in this can act. It does have one known actor though. Some might recognize the cigarette smoking man from the X-files series. His role was not really defined very well. And somehow he sewed it all together in the end.
None of the script really made any sense at all. The writer needs to learn basic dialogue and character development. No one had any appeal. I was hoping whatever the evil was would finish them off, but never did figure out what the evil thing was. Some kind of slimy insect with a claw? The miracle was that I stayed through to the end to see if it got better, but it never did.
I know how it got published though. It had the politically correct lesbian daughter and nosy mixed race old couple next door. I guess that's all it takes to make a movie these days.
Sadly, a good script and plot are not necessary in this day and age.
I saw two reviews that raved about it, but failed to note that both had never reviewed a film before. Must have been friends of the director because this is one of the worst movies I've ever seen.
It was done like an old Film Noir, with the detective's narration, but it just didn't work. I don't usually bother to review something unless I think I should save someone else the 82 minutes I wasted.
First off, it's not even slightly scary. Secondly, no one in this can act. It does have one known actor though. Some might recognize the cigarette smoking man from the X-files series. His role was not really defined very well. And somehow he sewed it all together in the end.
None of the script really made any sense at all. The writer needs to learn basic dialogue and character development. No one had any appeal. I was hoping whatever the evil was would finish them off, but never did figure out what the evil thing was. Some kind of slimy insect with a claw? The miracle was that I stayed through to the end to see if it got better, but it never did.
I know how it got published though. It had the politically correct lesbian daughter and nosy mixed race old couple next door. I guess that's all it takes to make a movie these days.
Sadly, a good script and plot are not necessary in this day and age.
Flawed But Could Find A Cult Following
adamcarter-6337229 July 2017
Residue is a film I first heard of when I saw the film Candiland, which has the same writer and director, Rusy Nixon. Candiland was one of the most bizarre films I have ever seen. It definitely had its ups and downs but I really enjoyed the overall product. After seeing Candiland, I was interested in seeing what Rusty Nixon would do next which happened to be this.
The first half an hour of Residue is perfect. It intrigued me and I loved the mystery noir style mixed with horror. What also stunned me was how good this movie looks. It looks way better for a low budget movie than it has any justification too. Not only that but maybe about fifteen minutes in, there is a fight sequence that is helmed amazingly. I could tell everything that was going on and it looked 100 percent convincing. Also, the early scenes with Mr. Fairweather played by Matt Frewer were super entertaining to watch. If the whole movie had been this good, it would be one of my favorite movies.
Frankly, the movie does have some series issues which stop it from reaching its full potential. James Clayton plays the lead character named Luke Harding. He was clearly shooting for the cool going detective but at times it just doesn't work. In some scenes, he came off awkwardly robotic. He wasn't necessarily bad but I feel he missed the mark. Also, one of the main plot points between Luke Harding and his daughter just didn't feel played up as well as it should have. The climax hinges on the plot point so it just doesn't have the impact it should. Also, I feel like the climax just doesn't get enough time to breathe which takes away some more of the effect it could have had.
Apart from the first half an hour, however, there is still a lot to love. Jacob (Costas Mandylor and Boston (Michael Matic) have several scenes where they are keeping an eye on Luke Harding. There is a lot of comedic relief and dark humour here which is highly enjoyable.
This film is flawed but I think it could find a cult following. It's not for everyone and plenty will dislike. It's also a bit confusing and hard to follow but I appreciate films like that sometimes because it allows you to think. Despite its issues, I still really like this movie and it's originality and style make it memorable. I would recommend this film for anyone who wants to see something different and likes films that are out there. A lot is unanswered in this film but I heard there may be a sequel called The Pain Doctors. Support this low budget film. Just remember that it isn't for everyone.
The first half an hour of Residue is perfect. It intrigued me and I loved the mystery noir style mixed with horror. What also stunned me was how good this movie looks. It looks way better for a low budget movie than it has any justification too. Not only that but maybe about fifteen minutes in, there is a fight sequence that is helmed amazingly. I could tell everything that was going on and it looked 100 percent convincing. Also, the early scenes with Mr. Fairweather played by Matt Frewer were super entertaining to watch. If the whole movie had been this good, it would be one of my favorite movies.
Frankly, the movie does have some series issues which stop it from reaching its full potential. James Clayton plays the lead character named Luke Harding. He was clearly shooting for the cool going detective but at times it just doesn't work. In some scenes, he came off awkwardly robotic. He wasn't necessarily bad but I feel he missed the mark. Also, one of the main plot points between Luke Harding and his daughter just didn't feel played up as well as it should have. The climax hinges on the plot point so it just doesn't have the impact it should. Also, I feel like the climax just doesn't get enough time to breathe which takes away some more of the effect it could have had.
Apart from the first half an hour, however, there is still a lot to love. Jacob (Costas Mandylor and Boston (Michael Matic) have several scenes where they are keeping an eye on Luke Harding. There is a lot of comedic relief and dark humour here which is highly enjoyable.
This film is flawed but I think it could find a cult following. It's not for everyone and plenty will dislike. It's also a bit confusing and hard to follow but I appreciate films like that sometimes because it allows you to think. Despite its issues, I still really like this movie and it's originality and style make it memorable. I would recommend this film for anyone who wants to see something different and likes films that are out there. A lot is unanswered in this film but I heard there may be a sequel called The Pain Doctors. Support this low budget film. Just remember that it isn't for everyone.
would recommend for interesting effects but story telling is sub par
genemcpherson19 October 2017
Warning: Spoilers
having just finished this movie i was left confused since the ending didn't really seem to explain much of anything the acting was meh at best but u could tell they were at least trying the special effects are really what make it worth seeing if your not in for just that i would recommend not bothering with watching the film, the premise of the movie was promising but the delivery was poor the movie felt really slow and kinda boring i found it to be a drag to get threw the hole film and the ending was as predictable as can be(if u want the film u will understand) the tl/dr for it go's as good effects, good idea, poor acting, heavy reliance on clichés, and just boring to watch 3/10 would not watch again
Underrated
dazhaun-110218 April 2021
I got kinda confused at the end, but the movie successfully evokes emotions throughout, and while it is thick with plot at some moments, you're interested enough to put down whatever else you're doing and pay attention. That's a win, for me.
i didn't get it
phenomynouss18 March 2018
Warning: Spoilers
I'm not easily confused, and often love surreal incoherent storytelling. But this one I just couldn't figure out.
we get a prologue sequence involving some guy breaking into someone's house and threatening them with a gun. the guy is apparently a surgeon and they discuss some manner of MacGuffin book, which the surgeon has only read 40 pages of in 6 weeks. Then he twists and says he read up to page 43 and a tentacle thing drags the other guy into a closet, then a random hook swings from the ceiling and kills the surgeon.
20 minutes into the future (GET IT COS MATT FREWER IS IN THE MOVIE) some guy named Luke is doing... something on behalf of Mr Fairweather, played by Matt Frewer. He tracks down 10 people who are apparently naughty, and... who knows. Maybe he kills them, but Mr Fairweather explicitly says at one point that he doesn't need Luke for killing people.
Since he couldn't "get" the 10th man, Mr Fairweather gives him a package to give to the man who is so good and righteous, but then gets ambushed by some goonies and escapes and opens up the package and it's the same MacGuffin book the surgeon guy had.
Some other "employer" guy named Mr Lamont then arrives on the scene, and his goon shoots Mr Fairweather's head off with a shotgun. Despite this, Mr Fairweather continues to call up Luke about the book with much of his head missing and gorey. When other people listen in on his phone call, all they hear is flies buzzing from Fairweather's end.
Luke keeps reading the book, which basically has no story, and suffering lots of memory loss and keeps repeating things. At the same time, his daughter comes to live with him, and some of Mr Lamont's goons bug his tenement and spy on him from another room.
Looking back now, ironically (not ironically) I appear to have tuned out at some point and forgotten large portions of the film. I can remember it, yet I can't fully "remember" it and properly describe what happens. There's a lot of seemingly incoherent elements put together, including a monster-version of Luke's daughter that he knows isn't real, a running theme of him being unable to find his keys, and him randomly turning into a demon who rages and freaks out about being unable to find his keys, all the while the guys spying on him just sort of dick around, one of them occasionally getting into the MacGuffin book and Luke's story, while the original owner of the tenement they killed earlier suddenly comes back as a zombie and kills one of them while the other one decides to quit and leaves.
The Surgeon from the prologue also keeps appearing to Luke, and random hooks swing constantly from the ceiling, almost killing Luke, but which he manages to avoid each time. There's also an elderly couple in another tenement who keep spying on everyone, and the husband gets infested by the creature that the Surgeon was trying to dissect and the wife ends up killing him.
The big climax at the end involves Luke confronting the demonic version of his daughter, and his daughter confronting the demonic version of Luke, and making amends with each other when Mr Lamont abruptly appears, congratulates them, rewards them, takes the book and leaves. The Surgeon then appears with Mr Lamont at the end.
Somehow all of this is supposed to tie together, but it just narrowly manages to slip from my grasp and I just plain didn't understand it. It narrowly avoids becoming "random for the sake of random" while never fully "clicking" into a coherent arc. It's frustrating and probably necessitates multiple viewings, but there's just not much in this movie that was sufficiently intriguing or appealing enough to warrant another viewing. It was largely tedious and frustrating, with a neo-noirish style that had a constant "Original cut of Blade Runner" style voiceover narration that contributed nothing and just made me hate the protagonist.
we get a prologue sequence involving some guy breaking into someone's house and threatening them with a gun. the guy is apparently a surgeon and they discuss some manner of MacGuffin book, which the surgeon has only read 40 pages of in 6 weeks. Then he twists and says he read up to page 43 and a tentacle thing drags the other guy into a closet, then a random hook swings from the ceiling and kills the surgeon.
20 minutes into the future (GET IT COS MATT FREWER IS IN THE MOVIE) some guy named Luke is doing... something on behalf of Mr Fairweather, played by Matt Frewer. He tracks down 10 people who are apparently naughty, and... who knows. Maybe he kills them, but Mr Fairweather explicitly says at one point that he doesn't need Luke for killing people.
Since he couldn't "get" the 10th man, Mr Fairweather gives him a package to give to the man who is so good and righteous, but then gets ambushed by some goonies and escapes and opens up the package and it's the same MacGuffin book the surgeon guy had.
Some other "employer" guy named Mr Lamont then arrives on the scene, and his goon shoots Mr Fairweather's head off with a shotgun. Despite this, Mr Fairweather continues to call up Luke about the book with much of his head missing and gorey. When other people listen in on his phone call, all they hear is flies buzzing from Fairweather's end.
Luke keeps reading the book, which basically has no story, and suffering lots of memory loss and keeps repeating things. At the same time, his daughter comes to live with him, and some of Mr Lamont's goons bug his tenement and spy on him from another room.
Looking back now, ironically (not ironically) I appear to have tuned out at some point and forgotten large portions of the film. I can remember it, yet I can't fully "remember" it and properly describe what happens. There's a lot of seemingly incoherent elements put together, including a monster-version of Luke's daughter that he knows isn't real, a running theme of him being unable to find his keys, and him randomly turning into a demon who rages and freaks out about being unable to find his keys, all the while the guys spying on him just sort of dick around, one of them occasionally getting into the MacGuffin book and Luke's story, while the original owner of the tenement they killed earlier suddenly comes back as a zombie and kills one of them while the other one decides to quit and leaves.
The Surgeon from the prologue also keeps appearing to Luke, and random hooks swing constantly from the ceiling, almost killing Luke, but which he manages to avoid each time. There's also an elderly couple in another tenement who keep spying on everyone, and the husband gets infested by the creature that the Surgeon was trying to dissect and the wife ends up killing him.
The big climax at the end involves Luke confronting the demonic version of his daughter, and his daughter confronting the demonic version of Luke, and making amends with each other when Mr Lamont abruptly appears, congratulates them, rewards them, takes the book and leaves. The Surgeon then appears with Mr Lamont at the end.
Somehow all of this is supposed to tie together, but it just narrowly manages to slip from my grasp and I just plain didn't understand it. It narrowly avoids becoming "random for the sake of random" while never fully "clicking" into a coherent arc. It's frustrating and probably necessitates multiple viewings, but there's just not much in this movie that was sufficiently intriguing or appealing enough to warrant another viewing. It was largely tedious and frustrating, with a neo-noirish style that had a constant "Original cut of Blade Runner" style voiceover narration that contributed nothing and just made me hate the protagonist.
Residue (2017)
SashaDarko21 January 2018
Amazing, as engaging and fresh as Pontypool. I watched countless indie horror / thriller / sci-fi movies, but never seen something like this one. The concept of haunted book is nothing new (Evil Dead and such), but here it's done in a different way.
The cast is great, although Clayton looks too young to be a father for a 18 year old girl. Williams B.Davis is spot on, too bad he doesn't have much on-screen time.
The cast is great, although Clayton looks too young to be a father for a 18 year old girl. Williams B.Davis is spot on, too bad he doesn't have much on-screen time.
Overly ambitious
robotevansjr16 November 2017
Warning: Spoilers
The crowded poster for this film exemplifies its primary flaw - there were way too many ideas crammed into the run time. There was a decent story buried in this film - a father and daughter share pain and misunderstanding about the reason that he left her as a child. In a pared-down script, this could have had a big payoff. However, the story told here has a cursed book, time travel elements, a couple of pulp fiction heavies, professional wrestling, an 80s movie demon, a Lovecraftian jungle monster, lesbian romance and ghostly vengeance. Oh, and it is set in the near future (as we can tell by the omnipresent holographic displays) for no reason whatsoever.
Still, it is not a total wash - individual scenes are decently handled and generally play better than expected. I saw a couple of reviews complaining about the acting, but the acting is at least adequate throughout, with some decent performances.
Still, it is not a total wash - individual scenes are decently handled and generally play better than expected. I saw a couple of reviews complaining about the acting, but the acting is at least adequate throughout, with some decent performances.
Would Make A Good Half-Hour "Twilight Zone" Episode
LouAbbott8 November 2017
"Residue" is a good story idea gone awry. It has its moments, but not enough of them. For a film that is only 82 minutes long, it had many filler scenes. My fast-forward got its workout for the day. The film would make a good half-hour "Twilight Zone" episode. There's a bit of comedy in it too. The ending is very confusing and unfulfilling. The highlight of the movie is seeing Matt Frewer ("Max Headroom"), William B. Davis (the "cigarette smoking man" of "The X-Files"), and Costas Mandylor ("Picket Fences").
Boring and VERY slow
Worldpeece17 March 2020
Got suckered into watching this movie by the good reviews. I thought it was stupid from the beginning but kept watching and watching because I was hoping it would get better. The reviews said the ending was good. The whole movie was nothing but a boring low budget waste of time. Wish I could get my time wasted watching this movie but I can't. Maybe you can!
Strange
jhr20123 May 2019
I would like to be able to tell you what I just watched, but I'm simply not sure. It's fairly decent, and somehow held my attention until the end. But I just don't know what it was all about. I have no idea what was going on with the book?
I was hopeful that the end would tie up the loose ends, but it only made it more confusing. Strange is the best way to describe this one. Had the ending shed more light on the story, I could rate this a 5.
Bonkers
omendata6 January 2018
If you are looking for a movie in the Lovecraftian style which will twist your noodle and make you wonder what you just watched then this is for you.
Its the next day and I still havent really figured out what it was all about , it was just completely bonkers as though it had been written by someone who had just popped an acid tab (LSD) and one of the stronger variety as it was completely bizarre; I cant think when I saw a more bizarre movie in the last few years.
The creature effects and complete insanity of it all actually added a prurient aspect and it had some really well known actors in it; the smoking man from the X-Files was superb with his Matrix style flashing background even more bizarre.
This movie will work a lot better if you have smoked a Camberwell Carrot as to any lucid person its just completely off the wall, mad and incomprehensible; Actually reminds me of an early "Cronenberg" or "Naked Lunch" type movie so be prepared before you watch it.
I am never really at a loss for words but I am with this one! Its not good but then again its not as bad as some of the awful movies I have seen over the last year so it gets a below par 4/10.
Its the next day and I still havent really figured out what it was all about , it was just completely bonkers as though it had been written by someone who had just popped an acid tab (LSD) and one of the stronger variety as it was completely bizarre; I cant think when I saw a more bizarre movie in the last few years.
The creature effects and complete insanity of it all actually added a prurient aspect and it had some really well known actors in it; the smoking man from the X-Files was superb with his Matrix style flashing background even more bizarre.
This movie will work a lot better if you have smoked a Camberwell Carrot as to any lucid person its just completely off the wall, mad and incomprehensible; Actually reminds me of an early "Cronenberg" or "Naked Lunch" type movie so be prepared before you watch it.
I am never really at a loss for words but I am with this one! Its not good but then again its not as bad as some of the awful movies I have seen over the last year so it gets a below par 4/10.
No clue
jhr201219 January 2018
I got through approximately 75% of this movie, but I just couldn't finish. It was simply that bad. I tried to make sense of what was going on, but I simply couldn't; what's worse is that I did not care. I kept waiting for some clue that would help me understand what was going on, but it never came. Characters came and went and I had no idea who they were or why they appeared. The flashbacks to the jungle made no sense whatsoever. The 'monster'; again, no clue as to what it was.
Do yourself a favor and avoid this crap.
Creative low-budget fun
patrick-4139 December 2017
Warning: Spoilers
I can honestly say I'm perplexed about the reviews panning this film. I can see how it's not for everyone, but you can't deny the outstanding acting, good script, and creative direction. It's not easy to pull off something this satisfying on a low budget!
For me, it hit a lot of sweet spots: Detective noir/horror is one of my favorite genre mashups, the characters were strong but quirky, there was humor that arose from the established characters and situations (not from absurdity or just to be "funny", for the most part), and the story was mysterious without being too perplexing.
Of course it had some flaws, so there will be mild SPOILERS here...
First, they could have saved some of their limited budget by not placing the story in the near future. There was absolutely no reason for the heads-up displays on some of the smart-phones. I'm sure that wasn't cheap to do, and it added literally nothing to the story. If anything it detracted, since it never went anywhere.
Second, probably the biggest flaw, is that the interpersonal beat that was the linchpin of the entire ending was not explained well enough before we got there. There were hints that it was some sort of big deal, but not enough IMO. A few lines of clarification beforehand would have helped - not giving everything away but at least giving us SOMETHING that wasn't totally opaque.
And finally, there were some lines of dialog that were really hard to hear because of sound effects on the voice. They may have been able to hear it fine in the studio, but on a TV they were lost.
Overall, however, I really loved this one! The acting, especially, was head and shoulders above what I'd expect in this sort of film, even down to the smaller characters. The lead actor James Clayton, as the P.I./estranged father, was particularly excellent. And the clever story told us just enough without getting into the tall weeds of over-explanation. All of that was so good that I can easily forgive a few cheesy effects - it's not their fault it was low-budget and I'm not above using my willing suspension of disbelief for a story I like.
I for one am going to keep my eye out for a sequel!
For me, it hit a lot of sweet spots: Detective noir/horror is one of my favorite genre mashups, the characters were strong but quirky, there was humor that arose from the established characters and situations (not from absurdity or just to be "funny", for the most part), and the story was mysterious without being too perplexing.
Of course it had some flaws, so there will be mild SPOILERS here...
First, they could have saved some of their limited budget by not placing the story in the near future. There was absolutely no reason for the heads-up displays on some of the smart-phones. I'm sure that wasn't cheap to do, and it added literally nothing to the story. If anything it detracted, since it never went anywhere.
Second, probably the biggest flaw, is that the interpersonal beat that was the linchpin of the entire ending was not explained well enough before we got there. There were hints that it was some sort of big deal, but not enough IMO. A few lines of clarification beforehand would have helped - not giving everything away but at least giving us SOMETHING that wasn't totally opaque.
And finally, there were some lines of dialog that were really hard to hear because of sound effects on the voice. They may have been able to hear it fine in the studio, but on a TV they were lost.
Overall, however, I really loved this one! The acting, especially, was head and shoulders above what I'd expect in this sort of film, even down to the smaller characters. The lead actor James Clayton, as the P.I./estranged father, was particularly excellent. And the clever story told us just enough without getting into the tall weeds of over-explanation. All of that was so good that I can easily forgive a few cheesy effects - it's not their fault it was low-budget and I'm not above using my willing suspension of disbelief for a story I like.
I for one am going to keep my eye out for a sequel!
Was this a re edited pilot for a failed series?
xhidden9918 August 2018
I think it was which is why it doesn't make much sense. Serious cheapo 80's look and feel and a plot that's all over the place. Not in that vogue of slicing up a story a million ways and playing it back out of order that film school grads do. Just....a bunch of barely related stories. Like if Tales From the Crypt ran a bunch of different stories back with the same cast
And that was pointless
JoeB13110 May 2020
Lovecraftian Mystery
sbob32225 October 2017
I enjoyed this movie thoroughly. It sets its hook early (pun intended) and kept me on the edge of my seat the entire way through. The effects were good and the storytelling well handled. It may help to be a fan of HP Lovecraft and his story's of unknown forces and overwhelming dread though.
Cool and different, weird and wacky. Cult film.
johnmuir7626 February 2018
My wife and I watch a ton of horror films and this one stood out as cool and unique.
It's less "horror" than just plain weird Lovecraftian craziness. Maybe not for everyone, but we appreciated that they were doing something different. It combines a compelling deadbeat Dad making good with his-daughter relationship with lots of bizarre happenings.
Plus, it's got Matt Frewer (from Max Headroom). Can't beat that. If you liked Max Headroom, you'll probably like this - it's got a similar unique flair.
It's less "horror" than just plain weird Lovecraftian craziness. Maybe not for everyone, but we appreciated that they were doing something different. It combines a compelling deadbeat Dad making good with his-daughter relationship with lots of bizarre happenings.
Plus, it's got Matt Frewer (from Max Headroom). Can't beat that. If you liked Max Headroom, you'll probably like this - it's got a similar unique flair.
Stop reading and go watch it!
hillary-rust26 November 2017
This movie popped into my suggestions from Netflix and like most of them I scrolled past it 100 times. On scroll 101 I decided to read the description and it sounded interesting so I told myself I'd give it 10 minutes.
I'm hard to please when it comes to movies but this thing checks almost all the boxes. It's an almost perfect blend of mystery, scares, comedy, emotion, and weirdness. I loved everything about it and can't recommend it highly enough.
This crew is writing, directing, producing, and acting in their own stuff and Residue should be an inspiration to all filmmakers and anyone thinking they might want to make a movie.
Can't wait to see the rest of their films.
I'm hard to please when it comes to movies but this thing checks almost all the boxes. It's an almost perfect blend of mystery, scares, comedy, emotion, and weirdness. I loved everything about it and can't recommend it highly enough.
This crew is writing, directing, producing, and acting in their own stuff and Residue should be an inspiration to all filmmakers and anyone thinking they might want to make a movie.
Can't wait to see the rest of their films.
A must watch
rckstar-6734724 August 2018
At first I felt confused and the film felt cheesy but after 20-30 minutes it really gets you hooked in to find out what's happening! It has a good twist ending and solves all confusion by the ending. A movie I say that's worth the time to watch
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