As the lead couple, Rosie Fellner and Michael Hayden are remarkable together. They have excellent chemistry, so their adoration for each other leaps off the screen. Fellner has a tricky role, having to be desperate, in awe, confused, resigned, happy, and then troubled by everything happening around her. She effortlessly pulls off each emotion, crafting a relatable, fully formed character. Hayden conveys the pain and anger of Leo perfectly, so even when he lashes out, the audience understands why and can empathize.
Patient 001 approaches its cloning story with startling originality, is populated with realistic characters, each of whom have compelling arcs, and is directed with a bold, visual style. To top everything off, the filmmakers tackle lofty questions about life and the essence of souls that give the film depth and nuance.
Patient 001 (2019) Directed by Katie Fleischer. Written by Katie Fleischer, Jason Dietz. Starring Rosie Fellner, Noah Fleiss, Michael Hayden, Michel Gill.
9 out of 10 Gummi Bears
Bravo!!! Well described. Patient 101’s complexity and originality is indeed “epic”. I loved how the classical and psychoanalytical references are interwoven without being obtrusive. The primitive fears, taboos and rivalries still embue our workaday and digitally enhanced lives. Ms. Fleischer hits that perfect note of a tmeless thriller, churning up Hitchcockian anxiety wth style.