Writer/director Emmett Loverde, along with co-writer Larry Maraviglia, present Without a Name. A psychological thriller that pits a man and his son against a religious cult that glorifies youth and condemns the old. A pre-teen boy, Calvin (Desi Cruz Brooks), receives a pop-up message on his computer asking, “Do your parents annoy you?” Calvin is quick to respond with some disparaging and profane comments. The chatter informs Calvin that they are “waiting” for him. The conversation is cut short when his dad arrives outside to pick him up. Climbing out a window, suitcase in hand, Calvin sneaks around the house into his dad’s Mustang.
Calvin’s dad, Darren (Jeff Wittekiend), is taking his son from his mom’s house on an unapproved weekend fishing trip. After a dispute over the phone with Calvin’s mother, Darren and his son arrive in Bundy and check into a motel room. While Darren is at a local restaurant in town, he notices many of the patrons display peculiar behavior and are generally unwelcoming toward him. He is informed by a woman behind the counter that he and his son should get out of town as soon as possible.
Upon returning to the motel, Darren finds that his son is missing. He rushes to the local police department only to be turned away. In a desperate search to find his son, he is led to a compound with multiple floors, classrooms, and creepy closets. Upon entering the maze, he soon discovers that the building is occupied by a kind of religious cult that only finds value in those under the age of 40. The cult has taken his son and is holding Calvin captive. Darren’s battle to reclaim his son ensues.
Giana Juidici receives a ceremonial mark from Elle Coventry as teen cult members prepare for a ritual in Without a Name.
“…Darren finds that his son is missing. He rushes to the local police department only to be turned away.”
As a recent first-time father, I have an elevated appreciation for the prevention of child abuse in all its forms. Children should be the most protected in society, as they are the most vulnerable and carry the future within them. If you are a good parent, you’ll want to do everything within your power to prevent your child from experiencing any type of abuse. Without a Name conjures up those very thoughts of “what if?” for parents raising a child. What if my child hangs out with the wrong crowd? What if my child dislikes me as a parent? What if I am a bad parent?
The film is one part coming-of-age and one part cautionary tale. In a way, the story serves as a warning to parents, suggesting that if you are a bad parent, either by being over-controlling or having a less-than-honorable character, you might push your children away. In doing so, they might find themselves in a situation leading to destructive outcomes. The lead character, Calvin’s dad, in this sense, is an anti-hero that I was conflicted about rooting for. Though definitely not the best parent, certainly not the worst, and ultimately tries to do the best for his son.
Taking place at the motel is a subplot involving a mob boss bullying Darren, where they exchange payment for uncut diamonds, but the scene ultimately goes nowhere. In general, many scenes seem to drag on longer than needed or serve as filler to add runtime. I would have liked to see more suitable lighting for a thriller. Instead of being mostly flatly lit, more moody lighting and shadows could have created a darker tone.
If the plot and theme sound familiar, you are on to something. Without a Name borrows heavily from 1984’s Children of the Corn. That alone is not a big deal, but the film doesn’t flesh out enough of its own unique plot ideas to stand out. I was waiting for a major twist or hidden reveal to shake up the story, but it never came. Overall, though not original, the foundational concept is good and sprinkled with some creepy moments.
"…the foundational concept is good and sprinkled with some creepy moments."
