by Shane Conto
How would you feel if your significant other came home after a night out to reveal that they were taken advantage of sexually? I know, quite the heavy question to start off with. But this question is tragically relevant to the story told in Test Pattern. What starts out as a feel-good romance turns into a challenging ride centered on sexual assault and the prejudice in the support to follow. The film treats its audience to an endearing and sweet connection between a white man and black woman. Their meeting and eventual connection sets the emotional stage for what is to come. But are we, the audience, prepared for what is to come?
Can Shatara Michelle Ford, the rookie writer-director behind this film, balance this narrative and deliver an impactful drama?
She certainly can… and she succeeds. This film balances on a precarious tightrope as it maneuvers from sweet romance to unnerving thriller to meaningful drama. The tonal shifts are handled with great expertise by Ford as the first actor is properly emotive and warming allowing the audience to connect with the couple. The visuals are warm and intimate as the cinematography captures colors and framing that gives the actors space to do their thing. Their “thing” consists of engaging with great chemistry that makes it feel like that they have known each other for a long time. They make small choices in their physical interactions that show their closeness. Their intimate scene is marked with a classy and passionate approach that feels like two people meant to be finally connecting in an intimate way. Brittany S. Hall and Will Brill make this film come to life in a significant way because the audience needs to be on this journey with them.
How does Ford handle this shift in tone as the film shifts gears into something much darker?
Where the script might telegraph the coming events too much, the film captures a level of tension and fear that makes this second act pop nonetheless. As you sit and watch the film, there are quite a few moments where you ask yourself some questions. Why couldn’t Evan (Brill) have just gone out that night with her? Why did Renesha (Hall) give in and take those drugs? Why did she not run away from that pushy and aggressive jerk at the bar? It is certainly easy for the audience to make those judgments but it doesn’t mean that the story made it very clear where things were going. But Ford is able to create a foreboding atmosphere at every turn. Hall plays the effects of the drugs so well and Drew Fuller is able to portray this predatory figure so well. When Renesha wakes up in that bed and tries to get away, your stomach sinks as the reality sets in. Some powerful filmmaking.
We have felt love and tragedy already in Test Pattern but can Ford stick the landing with the commentary that the film wants to provide?
That commentary is all too frustrating as things like this happen in real life. The struggle and frustration between Renesha and Evan is so poignant. Renesha has a level of shame and wants to put this behind her which Hall is able to capture in her complex performance. Brill delivers the anger and maybe underlying levels of guilty in his portrayal as he will not be stopped in getting Renesha that rape test. The audience follows along experiencing all of those same emotions which is challenging and frustrating… as it should be.
Will you be taking on this challenge presented by Ford’s drama?
You should definitely seek out this intimate and impactful drama. Ford maximizes her small budget with a committed cast and an atmosphere that delivers all of the emotions it attempts. Test Pattern may come off as telegraphed at times but the feeling you experience is worth it. The message is poignant and needs to be heard. Show this film some love.
Grade: B+