I was really caught up until about 30 minutes in. The sense of mystery was very strong. After things start to 'happen' though, I think it loses a bit of the tension that was built up so effectively to that point.
It's not that the movie takes a big dump or anything, but the middle section, although continuing the sense of mystery pretty well, seems to idle somewhat, sort of filling time. I don't mean to make it seem as bad as it sounds; it's mostly very effective all the way through and you really DO wonder what the &$%%#! is going on.
It's relatively easy in one sense to figure out a large part of what 'has' happened because they kind of tip it off to you (I don't wanna get too specific though and spoil anything) The use of sound as another reviewer mentioned is quite effective and good at building the suspense and a feeling of tension. One thing that I personally really appreciated, and this is something that I have a neurosis about so I don't expect this really will matter to most 'normal' people, but whomever was in charge of sound design THANKFULLY had a realistic view of what things normally sound like instead of boosting EVERY sound so unnaturally loud that it literally takes you out of the film. But, these guys really had it right on, so that was good.
Without giving too much away, I suppose that the ending could be considered sort of a 'Hollywood' ending, like another reviewer said here. But, if you are making a film with this kind of story, it's thematically kind of 'story-book' like anyway, so I feel that the ending logically follows. I guess it COULD have been left a bit darker. But, I agree with the film makers, that after all the mystery, suspense, and ultimately, the sadness, that choosing to end it like they did, I feel, is consistent with the overall story (DAMN! it's hard to explain something about the ending WITHOUT giving too much away... :)
Anyway, for the directorial debut and the theme of the film, I think they did a decent job with the story. It you want to be SUPER HYPER- critical, well, you COULD say that through the middle they might have come up with a tad more substance or complexity to draw us in a little more.
All and all, I honestly think that it is a solid, well made film. Depending on your personal taste concerning these types of movies, if your are like me where you appreciate imaginative themes, then you should find it fairly entertaining. BUT... if you are more of a hard core 'Realist' and do not suspend disbelief easily, this may not be the kind of film for you.
