Mary Chris Max – Film Review
Spring might be wrapping up here in Utah, and summer’s just around the corner, but it ain’t ever a bad time for a Christmas movie. ‘Specially when it’s not your usual feel-good fluff. This one’s a thriller set right smack dab in the holidays called “Mary Chris Max”.
This film is by Tatiana Sokolova who wrote, directed and stars as the lead. That’s taking on a lot! Tatiana is originally from Russia, came over to the USA in 2014, and became a citizen a few years back. Sokolova wanted to make movies where her accent or how she looked didn’t hold her back. That’s what this country’s all about, right? Opportunities! And this “Mary Chris Max” is her third feature film, so she’s definitely making good on that.
Tatiana Sokolova plays a pretty young woman stuck with her stepfather played by Michael Dean. It’s Christmas Eve, they’re out driving in the middle of nowhere, and Mary sees her chance to escape and bolts.
She then runs into these two, Chris (Kyle Leatherberry) and Max (Wesley Reed Jr). They seem like decent enough dudes and offer to help her out. But the whole time you’re sittin’ there wonderin’, are these guys her saviors, or is she jumpin’ out of the fryin’ pan and into the fire?
This ain’t your typical sleigh bells and carolers, folks. This movie’s got dark secrets, plenty of lies, and yeah, even a bit of blood. Sokolova, both in front of and behind the camera, really knows how to build that suspense. You think you’ve got it figured out, and then BAM, she throws a curveball at ya. Mary is not just some damsel in distress; there’s a lot more going on under the surface, and Sokolova plays that beautifully.
The whole cast did a good job. I’m constantly trying to get a read on Chris and Max, and they play that ambiguity just right. Michael Dean as the stepfather is the kind of villain you just love to hate. Plus the bonus cameo of Mike Gassaway (Den of Thieves 2: Pantera, The Expendables 4) as Daniel Kasalowsky was a nice addition to the cast. The Director of Photography is Miko S. Burns and did a heck of a good job too. It’s got that gritty, tense look that fits a thriller perfectly, even with the Christmas lights twinkling in the background.
If you’re lookin’ for a holiday movie that’ll keep you guessing and give you a few shivers, “Mary Chris Max” is your ticket. Tatiana Sokolova has got talent and I’m sure we’ll be seeing more good stuff from her. It’s a twisty, dark Christmas tale I am glad I got to see. Definitely not one for the little kiddos, but if you like a good puzzle with some chills, go see it!
