A single mother and her teenage daughter living on the south shore of Long Island. Fighting each other to be seen. Living in the conflict of oppression and dominance. Both fighting to win, both will end up losing.
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This 30 minute dramatic television pilot explores the dysfunctionality between families and the unhealthy cycle of narcissistic abuse which can cause psychopathy. It follows Danielle, portrayed by April Audia, a single mother raising her teenage daughter Melody, portrayed by Chelsea Mart, on the south shore of Long Island, New York.
Writers and directors, Cat Torres and April Audia give us an inside look into several interpersonally unhealthy relationships and the difficulty it is to navigate them. The concept for this pilot is a strong one but it is also a slippery slope when dealing with these issues not to take things too far. You want to be able to empathize with these characters and I really wish there was a “save the cat” moment to be able to do that. I have to admit, April Audia not only did a wonderful job acting but she also has a great singing voice. She was the lead vocalist on the opening song with music written by Michael Haddad. Michelle Debellis who portrays Hailey also had a very organic, believable presence on camera.
Cinematographer Danilo Hernandez gave us a gorgeous TV pilot, with several creative camera angles and stellar lighting. Sound wise, I really wish the filmmakers recorded the priest’s voice over in the same room as the actors to have everything consistent. The original music for this was chosen exceedingly well, Daniel Barrera and Michael Haddad did a wonderful job on that.
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