The Visitor starts with a nameless protagonist (Mark Palgy) packing a bag and kissing his also nameless wife (Lindsey Carter) goodbye. A brief conversation conveys he has hit a wall while writing his book and is going for a drive to clear his head, when a twisted turn of events takes us on a bleak path of madness.

Writers rarely relinquish rendering to roadblocks to restore their reputation for the reconfiguration of their reconcilability, therefore, rationalizing wrestling with horrors of future reader’s retributions.

The best art challenges your perception leaving you to your own devices to interpret it. The mind-bending premise is interesting but could have used a little explanation. None is given, leaving me wanting more but not in a good way. Instead of changing my interpretation of the story presented, what transpires is muddled and confusing. By the end, I didn’t have a firm understanding of what I watched–whether or not that was intentional is also obscure.

The production value is outstanding. It incorporates various stunning visuals like aerial shots from directly above that are possibly done by drones. Not being able to figure it out on my own is classic movie magic at its best. The top-notch cinematography shows off the gorgeous forested mountain backdrop. The dichotomy is fascinating because the classic bait and switch method is utilized as an equalizer between the natural beauty of the landscape and the horror elements involved. The atmosphere quickly changes from serene to menacing. Unfortunately, things get lost in translation because ultimately it is unclear what the filmmakers were trying to say. Too many pieces of the puzzle are missing to fully appreciate the big picture. It could have been a few minutes longer to provide explanations. Both actors do well at communicating the essence of the inciting incident, though.

I empathize with the protagonist experiencing the agonizing frustration of hitting a creative wall. It’s so difficult to overcome. Personally, I refuse to stop writing because these ideas bounce around in my brain like a ricocheting bullet. Ironically, I’m a movie critic who is my own worst critic. I’m always questioning whether or not the words are good enough. The journey that we follow is intriguing, testing the sanity of the protagonist and viewer simultaneously.

Short films need to concisely portray their messages making it more challenging for the people crafting them. They don’t have the luxury of ninety minutes so the point needs to be made promptly. We see the protagonist’s anguish as he struggles through the creative process which isn’t depicted on film this accurately that often. Beyond that, it’s jumbled. Perspective is subjective but magnificent directing and great acting don’t distract from a perplexing plot. I’d recommend The Visitor for cinephiles (available below for your viewing pleasure), but the average viewer may not appreciate the subtext. It’s not for everyone. It left me contemplating it afterward which says something too. And remember, sometimes you are your own worst enemy.

5 out of 10