(2013, 80 min)
Country: U. S.
Director: Todd Verow
Studio: TLA Releasing
SYNOPSIS: Tumbledown, the latest drama from filmmaker Todd Verow (who also appears in the film), examines the cause and aftermath of a sexual assault from three different perspectives.
REVIEW:
Rick (co-writer Brad Hallowell), a bartender, meets young, blonde cutie Mike (Brett Faulkner) and his older, muscular lover Jay (Todd Verow himself) during one of his shifts. Not long after, Mike calls to invite him up to Jay's vacation spot on Tumbledown Mountain for the weekend - provided Rick can secure some party favors for the occasion. Once Rick arrives, it becomes clear that he and Mike have a special attraction that neither of them share with Jay. Jealous, Jay concocts a sinister revenge scheme and invites Rick back to the house two weeks later - under the guise that Mike will be joining them again. Rick's memory of this particular weekend is fuzzy... until he receives a video in the mail revealing that under Jay's friendly and reserved exterior lies a manipulative and abusive monster.
Possibly the most prolific gay filmmaker around today, Verow works quickly and cheaply, but always fills his films with provocative ideas and themes. He packs Tumbledown with naked flesh and titillating imagery that wavers between sexy and scary - particularly in the creepy, dream-like opening where a vigorous sex session is interrupted when his own character's ominous, shadowy figure enters the room like the uninvited boogeyman. Also, for those of you who shy away from dark thrillers like this one, you can rest easy knowing that there is also some well-timed romance in the mix to lighten up the proceedings.
-- Robert O'Neill, TLA Video (http://www.tlavideo.com)
