Synopsis: A dancer savant with serious anger issues is about to sabotage his life until a strange psychotherapist brings him to face the shadows of his subconscious mind.
A directorial debut by Brian Logvinsky, Catharsis is a 17-minute avant-garde, neo-noir film. Weaving surrealism, performance art, and horror, this psychological story is a lifelong passion project for Logvinsky, drawing from his Soviet-American heritage. Actor/dancer Harrison Ball co-wrote the script with Logvinsky.
Alex (Harrison Ball, NYC Ballet) is a dancer, a once-in-a-generation talent, who is spiraling out of control after his mother’s recent and tragic passing. He now lives with his aunt Anya (Deborah Harry, Blondie), who was born in the Soviet Union and maintains several superstitions from her upbringing. She believes her family is cursed, and it is Alex’s inner demons that are causing the impulsive outbursts of anger and destruction that threaten to destroy his promising future.
At Anya’s urging, Alex attends a late-night appointment with the mysterious psychotherapist Dr. Leechny (Marc Geller, Severance). Using his own brand of pseudo-scientific hypnosis, Dr. Leechny and his enigmatic assistants, Chakra and Harmony (Jemima Kirke, “Girls” TV series), guide Alex into hypnosis.
Harrison Ball, a principal dancer of the New York City Ballet who now pursues an acting career, is very authentic in his performance as a dancer who exhibits anger and all the emotions of grief. Deborah Harry is also great as a concerned aunt who maintains her belief system from her birth country. There are many methods of ritual belief healing, and she is convincing in her performance.
Cast: Sasha Pivovarova as Veronica, Zumi Rosow & Cole Alexander (The Black Lips)
Jo Jo Lam’s cinematography and Zac Posen’s costume design both excel in capturing the emotions, colors, and costumes that fit the story. In my opinion, Pivovarova’s costume as Veronica is the standout.
Produced by Jess Vogel, Harrison Jaffee
Executive Produced by Miranda Kahn, Zac Posen, Harrison Ball
The World Premiere is on Friday, June 14th, at Tribeca Festival 2024. For more information about viewing the film at the festival, visit https://tribecafilm.com/films/catharsis-2024.
Source: Tribeca