Harmony: The Five Frequencies Saga, Part I – Review

 Harmony: The Five Frequencies Saga, Part I film review; supernatural, fantasy, thrillerDirected by: Corey Pearson

Runtime: 97 minutes

Harmony: The Five Frequencies Saga, Part I tells the story of Harmony, a 21-year-old orphan who has the gift to absorb the fear of people she touches. She soaks up all unpleasant emotions, leaving her survivors in a state of content, and occasionally rescues them from committing suicide. Harmony hides herself from the world in an abandoned downtown warehouse, where she can endure the undesirable effects of her powers. All the fear she absorbs manifests in her as black liquid she must wash off her skin. Too much fear could kill her.

Harmony befriends one of her survivors, recent widow Beth (Romper Stomper’s Jacqueline McKenzie), and her world changes when she meets Beth’s son, Mason (Jerome Meyer). Harmony and Mason become close, but her powers start to turn against her and threaten Mason’s health. With all the negative emotions growing, Harmony must learn to control her powers to save herself and the ones she loves. However, she grabs the attention of a local violent street gang, whose leader Jimmy (Twin Peaks: The Return’s Eamon Farren) can tell that Harmony has an effect on people.

There are small pleasures to be had with Harmony, not least which is the titular character herself, played effectively by Australian actress Jessica Falkholt. Tragically, Falkholt passed away earlier this year in a car crash when she was 29-years-old. Harmony marks her first (and only) film role after appearing on TV’s Home and Away and Mystery Road. The film is dedicated in her memory.

There are no grand moments of heroic triumph and action like in most superhero movies. Harmony is closer to Marvel’s Jessica Jones series in the way it occupies a reality closer to our own (as well as a dark haired, hood-wearing heroine). The most compelling aspect of the movie is watching Harmony’s evolution from being a recluse who can heal souls to connecting with another human being while discovering the terrifying depths of her powers.

Writer-director Corey Pearson makes a stylistic impression. In depicting the world of a woman living with fear, Pearson shoots in dark urban exteriors and gloomy-green lighting. This gives the movie a stark, noir sensibility, and while it’s nothing original, Pearson is clearly a director with vision.

Script-wise, Harmony is a mixed bag. The lack of a well-developed villain robs the movie’s capacity to thrill and excite. Jimmy is a caricature villain who serves no other purpose than to provide the film’s obligatory climax. The problem is he lacks characterisation and his motives are never clear; he’s just a creepy gang leader who randomly stalks Harmony. It doesn’t help that Pearson gives him cheesy dialogue and Farren’s performance comes across as unintentionally funny.

Harmony: The Five Frequencies Saga, Part I is tonally similar to Twilight with its darker atmosphere, attractive leads, and romantic subplot. There is an epilogue that suggest there are planned sequels (which may resolve a subplot involving other empaths the film leaves hanging). It’s difficult to tell how the movie will fare with audiences. Those in the mood for action and the adrenaline rush of a typical blockbuster will not find something to their taste here. Young adults and teenagers may embrace the film’s noir style and romantic subplot. Personally, I like a film that takes a gritty and low-key look at people with superpowers, and Jessica Falkholt acquits herself to the lead role admirably.

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