BA

Ba is an Official Selection of the 2024 Austin Film Festival.  This feature length live action movie was written and directed by Benjamin Wong. It is about a single father who unwittingly becomes the grim reaper to make ends meet for his daughter. The premise and world building are both incredibly intriguing, and it’s executed really well. What I find particularly interesting about this film is that while it contains horror elements, ie. a creepy atmosphere, several scares, and a pretty unsettling premise; it really shines when it comes to the emotional aspect. The relationship between the father and daughter is incredibly sincere, so when bad things happen to both or either of them, you really feel it.

I really love the script and story for this one. It’s really emotional and the protagonists are easy to root for. Benjamin Wong demonstrated a great understanding of making an audience care about his characters and in doing so, delivered a compelling and emotionally rich narrative. He did a great job really placing us in the characters’ situation. I also really enjoy all the twists and turns that the story takes. The narrative and script are both extremely successful, as is their delivery. Wong’s directing is great, and the actors all did a phenomenal job as well.

Ba screened on October 27 and will screen again October 31 at 4 PM at the Galaxy.  Ba is an emotional rollercoaster of a ride and sets a high bar for dramas that mix intrigue with heart and a smattering of horror.  Don’t miss Ba- it is one of my favorites of the festival.

Madelyn, Filmmaker Mixer Correspondent