Ed (Kendall Slocum) has been struggling with his mental health–and he’s gone so far as to plan his own suicide. But when Topher (Daniel Martin Berkey) saves his life and invites him into The Silver Circle, he begins to find new meaning as he and the others in the group are able to discuss their feelings and come to terms with all that they are struggling with. However, when Ed’s friend Beatrice (Emma Kowalchuk) warns him about Topher and his group of friends, things begin to change in ways that Ed could have never expected.
In the early going The Silver Circle played out like a testament to mental health–and it constantly provided viewers hope that even in the darkest of times there is light. Topher often consoles Ed, allowing him to express himself in appropriate ways–and Topher often finds ways to incorporate unique metaphor into his teachings, always with a positive message. Beyond the teachings of Topher throughout the first act of the film, music helps to supplement all that is being said throughout The Silver Circle. “One More Light” by Linkin Park helps to support one of the most pivotal moments in the early going of the film–strengthening the idea that this would be a film about mental and emotional support.
At the drop of a hat, however, The Silver Circle shifts drastically, almost becoming an entirely different film. The harrowing truths about some of the characters come to light, and the way in which viewers see the film changes. I almost view The Silver Circle as two separate films, one about hope and one about destruction. The two halves sort of conflict with one another, but I also believe that this is, in one way or another, the point. The Silver Circle allows viewers to see both sides of the coin, and even better, understand the role that each side plays in our lives.
My biggest gripe with The Silver Circle is the sound. Throughout the course of the film, it felt like pieces of audio were missing, or that extraneous sounds somehow made their way into the film, drowning out essential dialogue. Even worse though is the fact that there are moments when viewers need to hear the things that characters are saying and they simply aren’t given the chance to speak–or viewers can see their mouths moving, but no words come out. In terms of sound, The Silver Circle is a mess.
Other than the sound, however, I’m genuinely impressed by The Silver Circle. It’s both a beautiful and harrowing testament to mental health and the role that others can play in how we perceive ourselves and the world around us. The film is a deep dive into the human psyche–and it does a wonderful job of developing something that will genuinely resonate with viewers. The Silver Circle, again, acts like two different films–and if you view the film that way, then I truly believe that you will be able to appreciate it.
Directed by Robert Lak.
Written by Sandesh Agrawal & Robert Lak.
Starring Kendall Slocum, Daniel Martin Berkey, Emma Kowalchuk, etc.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10
