Review: The Riverbed (2012) — A Poetic Exploration of Identity and War
Director: Scout Tafoya
Genre: Drama, War
Runtime: 96 minutes
TMDB Rating: Not Available
Plot & Themes
Two soldiers lost behind enemy lines grapple with fragmented memories of a home that may no longer exist. The film juxtaposes wartime brutality with nostalgic hallucinations, blurring the line between reality and delusion. Themes of identity loss and existential dread permeate their journey, as they confront the futility of their mission and the erosion of their humanity
Visual Style
Shot in stark, desaturated tones, the film emphasizes the bleakness of the soldiers’ surroundings. Long takes of barren landscapes and claustrophobic close-ups amplify their isolation. Critics noted the minimalist aesthetic but criticized uneven pacing, with some sequences feeling unnecessarily prolonged
Reception
Audiences praised its haunting atmosphere and introspective tone, though many found the narrative too abstract. The lack of a conventional resolution polarized viewers, with some calling it “poetic” and others “frustratingly vague”
Critic’s Verdict
A contemplative war drama that prioritizes mood over momentum. While its ambiguity may alienate mainstream viewers, The Riverbed offers a poignant meditation on memory and dislocation. 6/10
Review: The Last Flesh & Blood Show (2013) — An Experimental Fusion of Romance and Horror
Director: Scout Tafoya
Genre: Horror, Romance, Drama
Runtime: 125 minutes
TMDB Rating: Not Available
Plot
Set against the backdrop of economic hardship, the film explores a complex love triangle complicated by the unexpected emergence of the living dead. As the characters navigate their intertwined relationships, they must also confront the surreal horror that invades their reality.
Visual Style
Operating on a modest budget, Tafoya employs a raw, unpolished aesthetic that enhances the film’s themes of vulnerability and realism. The juxtaposition of mundane settings with supernatural elements creates a disorienting atmosphere that mirrors the characters’ turmoil.
Cast
Stephie Ulm: Delivers a compelling portrayal of a woman caught between love and survival.
Taryn Hipp: Embodies the complexities of desire and duty, adding depth to the narrative.
Becca Savana: Provides a nuanced performance that highlights the emotional stakes of the unfolding drama.
Themes
The film explores the impact of economic instability on personal relationships, using the zombie metaphor to symbolize the inescapable pressures that consume individuals during times of crisis.
Reception
The Last Flesh & Blood Show has found a niche audience appreciative of avant-garde cinema. While it may not appeal to mainstream viewers, it is praised for its ambitious fusion of genres and thematic depth.
The Critic’s Verdict
Tafoya’s film is a bold exploration of love and survival amidst societal collapse. Its experimental approach offers a fresh perspective, though it may challenge conventional cinematic expectations.
Rating: 6.5/10 — An unconventional narrative that rewards viewers seeking innovative storytelling.
Review: I Need You (2013) — A Tense Examination of Love and Desperation
Director: Scout Tafoya
Genre: Drama, Romance
Runtime: 65 minutes
TMDB Rating: Not Available
Plot
Two young women, Vera (Alex Heim) and her unnamed partner, check into a hotel room carrying a shoebox full of money. As they grapple with the aftermath of a crime, their relationship is tested by guilt, fear, and the looming threat of capture.
Visual Style
The confined setting of the hotel room serves as a pressure cooker, intensifying the emotional volatility between the characters. Tafoya’s use of tight framing and dim lighting accentuates the claustrophobic atmosphere, drawing viewers into the protagonists’ fraught world.
Cast
Alex Heim (Vera): Captures the essence of a woman torn between love and moral conflict, delivering a performance that is both vulnerable and compelling.
Nick Smerkanich (Charmer): Portrays a charismatic yet enigmatic figure whose presence adds complexity to the narrative.
Themes
The film delves into themes of crime and punishment, exploring how external actions can fracture intimate bonds. It also examines the lengths to which individuals will go for love and the moral ambiguities that arise in desperate situations.
Reception
I Need You has been noted for its intense character study and the director’s ability to create tension within a limited setting. While some viewers may find its brevity leaves questions unanswered, others appreciate its focused narrative.
The Critic’s Verdict:
Tafoya crafts a taut, emotionally charged drama that probes the complexities of human relationships under duress. Its minimalist approach underscores the raw performances, making for an engaging watch.
Eyam (2013)
Director: Scout Tafoya
Genre: Historical Drama
Runtime: Not specified
TMDB Rating: Not listed
Plot & Themes
Based on the 1665 plague village of Eyam, the film follows a quarantined community’s descent into paranoia and sacrifice. Central to the story is a conflicted priest (played with gravitas) balancing faith and survival as death ravages the town. Themes of collective trauma and moral compromise dominate .
Visual Style
Eerie wide shots of fog-cloaked landscapes contrast with chaotic close-ups of disease and death. The austere cinematography reflects the villagers’ grim resolve, though some sequences border on overly theatrical.
Reception
Praised for its historical accuracy and atmospheric tension, but critiqued for underdeveloped subplots. The climax, featuring a mass grave scene, left audiences divided—hailed as “powerful” by some, “exploitative” by others.
Critic’s Verdict
A harrowing yet uneven historical drama. Eyam shines in moments of quiet despair but stumbles in pacing. 7/10
Summary
Scout Tafoya’s filmography leans into existential angst and visual minimalism. While his work often struggles with pacing and narrative cohesion, it remains thematically bold, offering niche appeal for viewers drawn to introspective, mood-driven cinema.