Aaron returns to his small Michigan hometown, inexplicably not having aged since his disappearance in Desert Storm 20 years prior. Unable to speak initially, Aaron must confront the evolution of his loved ones in his absence, while they come to terms with the reappearance of the boy who they let go years prior. As Aaron assimilates himself back into the lives of his family and childhood love, it becomes apparent his homecoming isn’t permanent. A conspiracy theorist and a mysterious metaphysical presence help build toward a finale in which Aaron must tie up loose ends before disappearing again forever.
When a director sets off on a mission to make a movie, the idea is to come up with something different. Which is exactly what director Marc Clebanoff did with his movie ‘The Mourning’. When the lead character Aaron, played by actor Michael Rene Walton goes missing for 20 years and suddenly returns, he shakes up his entire community with suspicion over his whereabouts.
Although the movie was original and suspenseful and everything you would look for in a blockbuster film there were some aspects of the movie I did not understand. The mysterious figure that follows the characters throughout the story, who by the end of the film catches the attention of the protagonist’s love interest Lucy, played by actress Sally McDonald, never showed its true identity.
I also was searching for answers, like about what actually happened to Aaron when he went missing. Of course the indication of what happened was obvious throughout, but an audience should be left with a cliffhanger or wanting more not but to be hanging on an everest sized mountain of confusion really minimizes the real amazement I felt when I watched it.
The lead character was vibrant and you just felt so much love for him. All of the characters in fact. It seemed like every single one of them needed him for their survival. Each one had a backstory which I wish was discussed more. Over all I wish more things went full circle so I wasn’t so questionable about the movie. There was some type of spiritual connection between him and his niece that was only brought up once. Over all I would say this movie was amazing just for the pure originality and the vibrancy of the characters. But the plot had many holes that could have easily been plugged up with dialogue. Seeing this movie would open your eyes to the possibility about the different genres but if you’re easily confused, this might be more of a puzzle rather than a coloring sheet.
Reviewed by: Me’Chele Sevanesian
