Test Pattern

Sexual assault is a subject that carries important implications on multiple fronts, and it deserves serious treatment when committed to film. Unfortunately, writer-director Shatara Michelle Ford's debut feature leaves much to be desired in its handling of the topic. While the picture's heart may be in the right place -- a look at the often-frustrating handling involved in collecting forensic evidence in a rape case -- its execution of the story often misses the mark. Some issues and events are needlessly stretched out, while others receive short shrift and others still are addressed somewhat flippantly (a genuinely surprising approach in a story like this). I'm certainly not suggesting that the film lacks merit, but it surely could have been constructed more effectively than how it comes across in its current version. Admittedly, this release features some fine performances and intriguing cinematography, but the overall package is uneven, weakening whatever insights the film has to offer. Considerable retooling is necessary to fulfill this offering's potential and to convey the message of a subject that deserves better treatment.

Interesting for sure, and pretty strong for a debut feature. I didn't buy the central relationship at the beginning of the film, but I did start to towards the end. Really harrowing subject matter for this one and it presents it in a pretty thoughtful way. The biggest issue is the music. It's able to draw so much tension out of moments that don't have any of it at all but I find so many of the needle drops to be so off-kilter and confusing. It feels like some of these songs were selected to show contrast and nothing more. Not a bad intent, but my goodness Tchaikovski's "Waltz of the Flowers" from The Nutcracker is such an inappropriate song choice to me for this attempting-to-be-eye-opening film about sexual assault. Had no clue why it was in this movie, let alone the specific scene it was in. Seemed like it only existed for the smash cut away from it, and that isn't motivation to me enough to put in a song that "beautiful" in a film that is anything but. I'd love to hear or see any other interpretations, but I just found the music choices to consistently take me out of the film and completely lose me. Very competent director that I'm sure to check out the next work from, just hope to see the music strategies either changed or reflected more appropriately next time.

I loved the concept of the movie, however, I think that it could have been more to the evidence of the rape. Like why didn't she ask questions if the officer asked for surveillance of the club. The ending was horrible.

The agenda overrode the characters and the drama. It was so obviously an Issue Movie that it forgot to be a good movie.

Waste of time and money.

Finally, an indie movie with social relevance that understands film making is more than sticking a camera in the corner while two people talk.

IN A NUTSHELL: Part psychological horror, part realistic drama, this debut feature from Shatara Michelle Ford is set against the backdrop of national discussions around health care and policing, the #metoo movement, and race in America. Test Pattern follows an interracial couple whose relationship is put to the test after a black woman is sexually assaulted and her white boyfriend drives her from hospital to hospital in search of a rape kit. Winner of top prizes at the BlackStar and New Orleans Film Festivals, this film offers a unique exploration of sexism from a woman's point of view. Content warning: This film includes a depiction of sexual assault. THINGS I LIKED: Brittany S. Hall is gorgeous and talented, so I'm sure we'll be seeing more of her. She first appeared on VH1's hit reality show "Real Chance of Love" where she earned the nickname "Hot Wings" and was one of the winners of the show. After that, she did Stand Up Comedy in New York City! I thought the title of the movie was interesting. A test pattern is a fixed picture broadcast by a television station to assist viewers in adjusting their receivers. There's a social statement in there. The test refers to the relationship, as well as to the healthcare system. Act 1 does a good job helping the audience to fall in love with the main couple played by Brittany S. Hall and Will Brill. I like movies that are intentionally ambiguous so that the audience can interpret the meaning for themselves. The Mother Bear really comes out in me when I watch movies like this. I want to keep all of my girls safe and I want monsters to pay for their despicable crimes. Interesting musical score. I haven't decided whether or not I liked the choices, but they did catch my attention. Kudos to Evan, the boyfriend, for being so supportive and patient. Not all guys are jerks. I have four sons whom I have taught to treat women well. I'm really glad we didn't have to watch the rape. Not showing us the details was the perfect choice made by the director because even the lead female who was raped didn't remember what happened due to her drinking and taken drugs. For its low budget, it does a good job of taking you on an emotional journey. THINGS I DIDN'T LIKE: The director stated, "I made Test Pattern to provoke a meaningful conversation about consent, to incorporate a black female point of view, and to spark debate while we create more nuance in the current discourse surrounding #metoo and feminism; in a movement that often focuses on the pain of white women, to the detriment of women of color, who exist within a different set of struggles and expectations." My biggest complaint about this movie is that the director hasn't decided exactly what she wants to say. She wants the movie to be about race, but the main woman is dating a white guy and would have received the exact same answer at the hospital as a white woman: there are no rape kits at this hospital. I did notice that the director chose to have the doctors and nurses who couldn't help Renesha be white and that the one nurse who finally did was black. There are apathetic nurses of ALL colors. It seemed like the director was pushing this to be a racial issue. The director should have focused more on the ineffective healthcare system and/or the rape culture because her casting choices didn't seem congruent with her claim that the movie is about race. Good friends don't pressure you to drink or stay out late or do anything you don't want to do. If a friend pressures you to lower your standards, they're not a true friend. I hated the best friend who kept pushing her friend to drink and hang out with strangers at a bar. Women of ALL colors need to take responsibility for their choices. If you drink or do drugs, the quality of your decision-making WILL be compromised. (P.S. Gummies ARE drugs.) Let me be clear…I am NOT saying that the protagonist was "asking for it", nor granting any excuse for the animal who raped her. I'm also NOT saying that only women who drink and take drugs get raped. I'm simply saying that I hope women will learn from this cautionary tale and make better choices. Amber, the protagonist's friend never apologized once for her critical role in how their "Girls Night Out" ended. She was a real jerk who kept putting her own needs and wants above her friend's wellbeing. To all my girls who are reading this review, choose your girlfriends wisely! Surround yourself with people who pull you up and support your choices, rather than drag you down into the gutter and pressure you to lower your standards or dismiss your goals. It makes me soooooo mad that scumbag men can be so driven by hormones that they terrible things to another human being. Some people will be very bored and complain that nothing really happens. After experiencing an assault like that, one would naturally feel numb. You kind of get that feeling watching this movie too. TIPS FOR PARENTS: This is NOT a movie for kids to watch. Profanity and F-bombs Alcohol Sexual assault Drugs Unmarried couples are seen in bed together You can see the rest of my review on my Movie Review Mom YouTube channel!

Ahh yes, gotta spin that narrative. SMH This movie was a waste.

Oh look. I just wasted 90 minutes of my life for nothing. Awful with no conclusion.

All they had to do was call Benson at SVU. This is amateur filmmaker Shatara Michelle Ford's first full-length feature film as writer, producer and director, with only one prior short film on her resume. As a new filmmaker, she certainly shows promise. And I'm (surprisingly) happy for her that the critics all raved about this film, however, I don't know why. Some comments from them on Rotten Tomatoes bring in gender, race, health system, etc. into discussion. I didn't see any of that here. All I saw was a flawed story with an obvious and much simpler alternate solution to the problem. For starters, the plot has ridiculous holes in it. This entire film is based on a "question mark", of why wouldn't they just contact the police from the start, and have SVU do everything they for some reason decided to do on their own. There was zero purpose in getting that test done unless the authorities got involved, and they should have right from the start. The fact she didn't want them involved, only suggests consent, and her simp boyfriend maybe even did pick up on that, when he finally showed he had his own voice. Now if there were racial issues when the police showed up and procedure wasn't followed, then we have a realistic movie. But to make one with illogical scenarios and implausible reasoning, doesn't make a good story. Even the dynamics between the two were ridiculous. Again, let's assume the guy is a total simp after he finds out what happens (no spoilers), what was the reasoning behind her being such an ungrateful b!tch and treating him like crap, as if he was to blame for all of this, especially when the guy was ridiculously and unrealistically that supportive and understanding? And why weren't either of them mad at her friend for allowing any of this to get that out of hand. I get that such freinds do exist, but how you treat them after was once again, unrealistic. Then to drag this unrealistic story out for a normally-comfortable 82 minutes, with it's snail's pacing and long dragged out and unnecessary scenes - that made it feel 2+ hours, I question if the critics saw the same film I did. The constant pointless long freeze-frame and zero-dialogue scenes became annoying and boring very quick. Then there was the zero to loud obnoxious random score - even getting some circus music in there, made me shake my head many times. Even the performances were flat, boring, and unconvincing. I'm sure part blame is Ford's inexperience to direct her cast effectively. I really can't suggest any reason to watch this one, except to support an upcoming new filmmaker - without any expectations of seeing anything substantial. It's a generous 5/10 from me, most if it going towards a "great first effort" ribbon, instead towards the filmmaking quality of the production.