99 Problems Film Review by Ashley Turner

99 Problems is a short film written and directed by Michael G. Kehoe, starring Tori London, Richard Leacock, Sala Baker, Yan Birch (The People Under the Stairs), and Michelle Renee Allaire.



The film opens on black with an immediately engaging musical score and cuts to an overhead shot with a slow pan down in the desert that sets the desolate, and yet alluring, tone of the film. The atmosphere and setting feels familiar, but the story told in this world is unique and intriguing. The overall concept of the film is an interesting take on the commonly used trope of making a deal with the devil.

Early in the film the acting feels a bit contrived, but as the film progresses the delivery strengthens and the viewer is able to slip into this world and stay fully engaged.

The Mystery Man character played by Richard Leacock is delivered with a combination of subtle finesse and charisma. His ability to emote calm with a dangerous undertone is not lost on the audience. Yan Birch shines as The Stranger, a red herring personification delivering perfect tension and discomfort within the film. Sala Baker and Tori London are a perfect duo of two individuals caught in an impossibly desperate conundrum.



The scenes are beautifully executed with artistic lighting, as well as non-standard camera angles and movement choices supporting the tense and overall gritty vibe.

While the storyline is such an interesting and fun concept with limitless possibilities, there is one aspect that felt a bit underdelivered. The photograph used to incite the call to action for the cook and waitress characters felt a bit underwhelming, and could have been pushed further. The amount of intense reaction and behaviors from the characters based on that photograph didn’t feel evenly matched to what was being shown to them. Despite this caveat, and a few minor audio issues, the film still delivered an entertaining and strong storyline; completing on a deliciously dark and fun note leaving the viewer wanting more.

Overall, 99 Problems is entertaining and tense; a dark, fun ride. I highly recommend giving it a watch.