Director: Jamin Winans
Starring: Christopher Soren Kelly, Quinn Hunchar, Jessica Duffy, Jeremy Make
This review by Leslie Simpson (Dog Soldiers, The Descent, A Reckoning).
You can win a copy of Ink in our competition. More info here.
Okay, so… Ink. ‘INK’. What do you imagine a film called ‘Ink’ is about? What genre is it? A fly on the wall doco about corruption in tabloid journalism? Er, no. A kid’s fantasy adventure where books come to life with often hilarious results? Perhaps, but think again. A schlocky creature feature about a giant octopus that terrorizes a quaint seaside resort? Actually you can sign me up to that one, but sorry, wrong again.
On IMDB they describe it as an action fantasy sci-fi. Well, yes, it’s all those things, but… Well, it is, and it isn’t. It’s more than that. Much more. I’m not sure it’s even fair to try to categorize a film like Ink.
Ink is wonderful. Scratch that, there are plenty of wonderful films; Ink is a one off, a marvel, a hidden gem that if you’re not an avid cinephile, then it’s doubtful you’ll have even heard of it.
Three such films were made in the space of a year. And to date, you’ll have been hard pushed to lay your hands on any of them.
If Andrew Barker (STRAW MAN – A RECKONING) can be compared to Werner Herzog or Herk Harvey, and Nick Whitfield (SKELETONS) is Lindsay Anderson or Billy Liar-era John Schlesinger, then Jamin and Kiowa Winans are Jeunet and Caro, or even Jean Cocteau.
As soon as the end credits rolled the first time I watched Ink, I had an overwhelming urge to contact the director and ask him for a job.
Instead I sat back down and watched it again.
To be honest, I’m not sure I want to say anything about the film because that simply wouldn’t be fair. I watched it without knowing anything, and I was floored.
What I will say however is that the first 15 minutes – while being as inventive as anything you’ll see from a big budget flick – may be a little confusing for some. We’re introduced to at least three different ‘worlds’ with little time to catch our breath. But they come together seamlessly as the story unfolds.
Every scene drips with atmosphere. From the elation of a beautifully choreographed centrepiece involving a blind pathfinder called Jacob (played by Jeremy Make), to the breathtaking fight scenes and the genuinely creepy nightmare designs.
And best of all, this film has depth and heart; an allegory with a biting social commentary. On second viewing I struggled to stay composed as the narrative unearthed more of her secrets.
The direction, design and photography are outstanding, the script is glorious, and the acting is on the money from start to finish.
Ink is a supreme work of invention, a shot across the bows to the indie community who believe that having no budget means that ambition and creativity must be sacrificed in favour of a ‘sound business model’ in order to grab the attention. Stick in a few zombies, show a bit of flesh, have some shooters and plenty of claret, swear a lot, and you’re guaranteed at least a distribution deal with Cack Entertainment UK Ltd. But all three films that I’ve mentioned above clearly illustrate the reverse is true. THESE are the films that stand out.
That the director and producer of Ink embraced piracy to garner attention – Ink was only available via ‘illegal’ download sites for the first year of its existence – is a testament to their confidence and understanding that nothing, and I mean NOTHING stands in the way of real talent.
INK is now thankfully due a full DVD release on 25th April. The new breed is on the march. Mr. Nolan not only has competition now, he has some catching up to do.
