Festivals - FCAD 2024 : Gazer Shines at the 50th Deauville American Film Festival

By Mulder, Deauville, Centre International de Deauville, 10 september 2024

The 50th Deauville American Film Festival saw a stunning showcase of emerging talents, and among the standout films was Gazer, directed by Ryan J. Sloan. This haunting and emotional film quickly captured the attention of both the audience and critics, becoming one of the more talked-about entries in the competition lineup.

Gazer follows the story of Frankie, a young mother grappling with dyschronometria, a condition that distorts her perception of time. Faced with mounting financial pressures, Frankie takes on a risky job from a mysterious woman, in hopes of securing a better future for her daughter. As the film unravels, we see Frankie relying on cassette tapes to guide her through increasingly dire situations, unaware of the dark consequences that lie ahead.

The film, with its 1-hour 54-minute runtime, is a psychological thriller that delves into the fragility of time and memory. It offers a gripping portrayal of a woman on the edge, highlighted by a powerful performance from Ariella Mastroianni, who plays Frankie with raw intensity. Supporting performances by Marcia DeBonis, Renee Gagner, and Jack Alberts further enhance the film's atmospheric tension, leading to a narrative that is both intimate and unsettling.

The screenings of Gazer at the Deauville festival—held on multiple dates between September 10 and 15—were met with positive reactions. Viewers appreciated the film’s blend of suspense and emotional depth, as well as its ability to explore profound themes through a low-budget indie lens. The presence of Sloan and Mastroianni at post-screening Q&As gave audiences a deeper understanding of the creative process behind the film, which was a passion project for both the director and lead actress.

In addition to its thought-provoking plot, Gazer stands out for its striking cinematography by Matheus Bastos, and an eerie yet captivating score by Steve Matthew Carter. Sloan, who also co-wrote the film’s script with Mastroianni, ensured that every element worked harmoniously to reflect the chaotic and fragmented mental state of the protagonist.

The 50th Deauville American Film Festival has long been known for spotlighting fresh voices in American cinema, and Gazer is a prime example of the innovative storytelling and talent that the festival champions. As the festival continues, all eyes are on the competition to see how films like Gazer will fare among the jury and audience awards​.

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Synopsis:
Frankie suffers from dyschronometry, a degenerative disease that prevents her from perceiving time correctly. Prone to paranoia and frequent blackouts, she records messages on cassette tapes to keep track of herself and ensure her safety. Unable to find steady work in her condition, and in search of money to regain custody of her young daughter, she accepts a mission proposed by a woman with murky intentions....

Gazer
Directed by Ryan J. Sloan
Produced by Ryan J. Sloan & Ariella Mastroianni
Written by Ryan J. Sloan & Ariella Mastroianni
Starring Ariella Mastroianni, Marcia Debonis, Renee Gagner, Jack Alberts, Tommy Kang
Music: Steve Matthew Carter
Director of photography: Matheus Bastos
Editing: Ryan J. Sloan & Jordan Toussaint
Production companies: Telstar Films
Distributed by: NC
Release date: NC
Running time: 114 minutes

Photos and video : Boris Colletier / Mulderville