Southern Discomfort: A review of Travis Matthews' Discreet

Travis Mathews’ latest effort which premiered at the 67^TH annual Berlinale is a surrealist microcosm of brooding anxiety and repression with a stunning central performance from Jonny Mars.

Set on the bordering periphery of American society in Texas, mysterious drifter, Alex, discovers that the man responsible for the abolition of his childhood is still living despite his sinister actions. With this information triggering his inner torment, the surfacing of past memories compel him to confront his deep-rooted antagonist.

Discreet, however, is impossible to identify within the genre-conforming boundaries of the revenge-thriller. There are way more cards at play, and Mathews’ deals them all with his enigmatical directorial style. With relevant subtext on the dangers of internet popularity, obsession and even the consideration of individuals who find comfort in the most unconventional of providers. Mathews’ deep character study helps to identify and divulge troubled individuals who have been broken by others’ lack of humanity. Finding solace only in the engagement of deviant sub-cultural sex encounters, Alex embarks on a journey to confront the events that made him the man he has become.

In many instances, the visuals and aid of a selection of random sounds all assist in the crafting of a disturbing atmosphere, and in this respect, Mathews’ succeeds in his clear aim of audience provocation, and is sure to spark intrigue with his unusual methods of exposing the concealed truths that make his central character unique.

The mood conjured at times feels reminiscent of the second series of David Lynch’s cult Television show Twin Peaks. The towering presence of the man responsible for Alex’s tortured childhood provides the most interesting shots amidst an abundance of tense long takes that feel they could explode if prodded at any time. Silent dinner table sequences will have you tensing your knuckles in agitation, and these scenes are where Mathews’ excels. Not knowing when to cut and when to continue is an issue that many directors clearly face, but one that this self-taught filmmaker avoids.

There are lots of interesting and experimental glimmers to appreciate. From the opening shot of a dead body with the superimposition of sizzling bacon, it is evident that this is a film that warrants patience and an open mind, and if this deserved attention is held then Discreet proves to be a very rewarding but undeniably unsettling cinematic experience that will continue to fascinate those intuitive enough to seek it out for years to come.

8/10


Written by Chris Weston