In this day and age, it's pretty easy to point out the bullshit and hypocrisy of religion. Turn on the telly and hear what's happening in the Catholic church. Open a newspaper and read about a terrorist attack by a extreme Muslim. Walk down the street and see some preacher talking about helping the poor, then drives off in his Rolls-Royce.
I've seen many films who try to show the dark side of religion. Some are pretty interesting. Others say the same old shit that I've heard many times. It's very rare that someone throws their own twist in a very interesting way. And I like to think that's what Rob Dimension did when he wrote his third short film, Rabbit Hole.
The story takes place on a sunny day, in a nice suburban area, Tina is outside playing, just being a normal little girl. Her mom, Dottie wasn't feeling well, so she takes a nap while her Aunt Em looks after Tina. Later in the film, Tina goes missing when she spots a bunny while playing in the yard. When Aunt Em notices that Tina wasn't in the yard, she goes looking for Tina She would stumble to a house, where a old religious man lives. The old man invites Aunt Em to his house and join his service, But Aunt Em just wanted to find Tina and get back home. Sadly, Aunt Em finds out that the old man has some dark intentions.
Later, Dottie wakes up from her nap, and sees that Aunt Em and Tina aren't around. She drives around town, asking people if they've seen her daughter. Dottie would finally stop by the house where the old man lives. When she goes inside, Dottie would be captured by the old man, and held captive. What Dottie will later witness, is a very terrifying religious service. Trying not to become a sacrificial victim, Dottie tries to make her escape from this nightmare. What happens later, many have described it as a punch to the gut.
Just like with "Baggage", "Rabbit Hole" is also shot in black and white. But where "Baggage" had a Hitchcock-ian feel, "Rabbit Holes" owes more to early Lynch films. In the end, there is a part that does have a midnight movie atmosphere. And Markus A. Caign does provide a excellent score to go along with it. The acting of Megan Cunard is well done. Loved how Rob Dimension's portrayal of the old man. In this one, he gives this character a little Southern accent May need a little work, but it's good for now. I guess since I hear Rob Dimension many times in his podcast, when Rob gets into a character, I want to hear someone else. I want to believe that this is another person, and I want to see Dimension do this more. And of course, many props to director Mike O'Mahony. Knowing about Mike's other films "Rabbit Hole" seems to fit him really well. The shots that him and Rob were able to get were really good.
Fans of O'Mahony and Dimension should give "Rabbit Hole" a try. The DVD comes with commentary with Mike and Rob, three short film, one shot by O'Mahony called "Don't Try This At Home", and a second disc called "The Journey", which documents 16 yr old, Curt Robinson, as he tries to become a professional wresler. If you want to check this flick out, you can purchase the DVD at http://youvebeenrobbedfilms.blogspot.com/p/merchandise.html.
