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), but most of them are low-risk, low-confidence projects that offset the prestige fare receiving nationwide releases.
for a sleek, straightforward January thriller.
Except that theres a twist, and oh, boy, its a twist.
Patrick designed the game as a distraction so that he doesnt murder his real-life abusive stepfather.
The residents of Plymouth arent just nosy busybodies that keep tabs on everyone else.
This is, charitably, insane.
would sink most films, butSerenityarguably takes off after Dill learns the truth.
Everyone on the island consciously pushes Dill to follow a predetermined path, which mostly involvesfishingand does not includemurder.
The horary canard everyone is connected has rarely been this absurd.
Questions layered upon questions reveal themselves almost immediately as soon as Knight tips his hand.
So what else does Dill do in his daily life?
He buys bait for fishing trips.
He sells his catches to distributors.
He drinks at the local bar.
He argues with his first mate Duke (Djimon Hounsou) over money.
He ostensibly fixes up his boat.
He cathartically swims in the ocean naked while reminiscing about formative experiences with his son.
He evades question after question from the locals.
He speaks in hushed tones that imply a dark past he desperately tries to outrun.
You know, enigmatic fisherman stuff.
Sit & Contemplate could theoretically be a game.
So could Drink Until Mental Trauma Has Subsided or Assume the Professional Requirements of a Gigolo.
(What does he win, you ask?
Thats up for debate, but its safe to assume that its not a set of steak knives.)
How much is Dill acting on his own volition and how much is Patrick controlling the reins?
Is he like a dirty marionette controlled by his traumatized son?
Dill and Karen and Constance might be able to make their own sexual choices.
On the other hand, they could be under a wicked coders spell.
Naturally, these questions remain unanswered.
How about the other various ancillary figures in Plymouth?
Could the prying bait saleswoman really be a concerned, but socially graceless guidance counselor at Patricks school?
But wouldnt it be a more whimsical decision if everyone had their own parallel identity?
Thus, the life of Baker Dill logically represents an alternate reality where Patricks father had survived the war.
This naturally poses the question of whether Plymouth epitomizes some sort of purgatorial space akin to the Island onLost.
Heres where things get a little confusing: Is Plymouth purgatory or merely a video game?
(Not really, but still.)
If thats the case, though, then Patrick, by all accounts, is God.
If you suddenly smell bong smoke, dont be alarmed.
If anyone else other than Patrick plays their cards right, theyll learn the answer is, Sometimes.
