I’d heard an immense buzz and excitement surrounding the highly anticipated release of The Deeper You Dig movie in 2019. Its world premiere took place at the prestigious Fantasia International Film Festival the same year, where it left a lasting impression on both critics and audiences alike. Partners and writer-directors John Adams and Toby Poser, also happen to be the main stars of the film.
With their production company, Wonder Wheel Productions, Adams and Poser have crafted a surreal drama crime movie with subtle horror elements. It’s truly fascinating to witness their creative process as they take on multiple roles, not only as actors but also as writers and directors. Moreover, they even involve their children in their films, adding an extra layer of uniqueness and familial collaboration.
The Deeper You Dig 2019
One aspect of The Deeper You Dig that simply cannot be overlooked is its score. The film features an incredible song written and performed by Zelda Adams, who portrays the character Echo, along with John Adams for her band H6LLB6ND6R. The hauntingly beautiful music adds depth and emotion to the overall cinematic experience.
The Deeper You Dig holds mystery and psychological twists and is an independent movie gem showcasing its creators’ immense talent and creative vision.
For more details about this film and other projects, see the title’s official website.
The whole film gives off the homely indie feel but uses a minimalistic approach. Generally, the narrative is dialed back in favor of some trippy images to connect you to the minds of the people the film wants you to know. The camerawork is close-up and personal. At times I wanted it to pan around the setting it was in, however, its constraint is done willfully letting you see only what you are supposed to see. The Deeper You Dig’s landscape is as cold as the events of the opening scenes.
Dig Deep For Drama Movies
The Deeper You Dig offers the conundrum. “What would you do if you hit someone with your car?” Would you turn yourself in, or cover the crime up? On the flip side of this coin, it also asks; “how far would you go to uncover the truth?.”
It’s easy to assume the general population would own up to such a crime. However, for Kurt and one shot of whiskey too many, the bad decisions pile up quickly.
The first act in The Deeper You Dig gives only general clues as to each of the main character’s motivations. Ivy and Echo are mother and daughter with Ivy, making money from tarot card readings. Echo wears blue lipstick and we get to know her only through the music she listens to and some art around the house. Despite this, it becomes clear, that Ivy works hard. Echo is predictable enough that her disappearance is reported within minutes of her mother’s return home one night.
Within Kurt’s reactions to every situation he encounters, Ivy’s prowess as a psychic takes on new power as her desperation to find her daughter becomes her only motivation in life.
Looking for the 2024 Adams family film? Read about Hell Hole here.
The 7 Circles
(Denial, Pain, Anger, Sadness, Upward turn,
Reconstruction, and Acceptance)
"The 7 circles be the domain of the wandering dead and only the dead. Their currency be truth... but they traffic in trickery for those whom death is not due. If the string be cut, the lost shall sleepeth in the cradle of dark. If the string be hoisted back into the light, the lost shall be refound at the price of the string."
Overall The Deeper You Dig’s faults lie in its overuse of dreamscape imagery. Its initial simplicity is overshadowed by some heavy-handed scenes to outline Ivy’s connections with the outer realms. It really slows the movie down right as you begin to enjoy Kurt’s torment.
As a character-driven storyline showing the power of paternal love, it’s a success. The opening act is hard to forget and The Deeper You Dig’s ending finished off with a great finale to boot.
The Deeper You Dig is rated
3 alls well that ends well out of 5
Where to Watch The Deeper You Dig
If you love movies from independent filmmakers, have you seen the sequel to Winnie The Pooh: Blood and Honey 2? It will redeem the sins of the first film. Read about that here.
The Deeper You Dig is streaming on:
