EUGENE

Directed By: Jake Barsha

Review By Kim Jindra

EUGENE is a thriller about a 30s something misfit, Eugene, who lacks social skills but is desperate for human connections.  First time director Jake Barsha chooses to peel back Eugene's past like leaves on an artichoke.   Each new revelation makes us a little more anxious because Eugene just gets creepier.

His attempts to date are painful to watch and leave him angry.   Eugene has trouble keeping a job and making friends.  He spooks a prostitute which seems to cause some sexual confusion.  But he is no more comfortable with the young hustler he picks up.  He is so hungry for the human touch he pays the young drug addict for a hug.

Along the way we learn Eugene's parents died in a house fire, he was raised by foster parents, likes horses and has money.  But, though money can't buy the compassion or the companionship Eugene seeks it can be used as bait. 

This is a good example of fine story telling on a small budget.  The cast was terrific.  Stuart Bennett, as Eugene, was chilling.  I am anxious to see

Barsha's next effort.