Director-screenwriter Christian La Morte critiques the podcasting world in his satirical neo-noir thriller, The Mix. Sean Palermo (Thomas Philip O’Neill), the host of Palermo’s Perspectives, is under scrutiny for hosting the controversial Dr. Janet Weddley (Brandice Peltier). Weddley is hated by the public due to her strange beliefs in a mysterious extraterrestrial conspiracy. Palermo also has Professor Clive Mason, Jr. (Grant Neale), who will debate Weddley’s theories to balance out his controversial guest. While the podcast livestreams, Becca, the audio engineer (Sophia Lucia Parola), worries as protesters’ rage grows outside the studio.
Through her social media feed, she can feel the fury of Project X-Tract influencers, who warn the public of Dr. Weddley’s corruption. Weddley’s connections are terrifying, as she supports an experimental vaccine. Becca keeps warning Palermo of the protests and Project X-Tract’s importance, but he refuses to listen. Due to Palermo’s negligence and egotistical mindset, the studio becomes a powder keg when protesters break into the building.
“…Weddley is hated by the public due to her strange beliefs in a mysterious extraterrestrial conspiracy.”
La Morte’s short film is a tense and surreal experience in the dark corners of the internet. Anthony Altamura’s cinematography is creative with his combination of hazy chiaroscuro and TikTok-influenced found footage! The sound design by Christian La Morte adds to the film’s intensity and claustrophobic environment. La Morte’s screenplay rips the curtain off the Age of New Media through his complex cast of characters. Sophia Lucia Parola’s performance as Becca is excellent as she visualizes Gen Z’s anxieties and paranoia. He examines cultural trends, such as the hypocrisy of a centrist podcaster and the disingenuous nature of brand sponsorships.
The Mix is the 2020s equivalent to Sidney Lumet’s Network. Like that classic, La Morte’s film is brutally honest and sharply written. The two work as a great pairing because they help audiences think about their entertainment in provocative ways. Christian La Morte has a bright future as an intelligent filmmaker with bold concepts.
"…the 2020s equivalent to Sidney Lumet’s Network."
