Fare

In the 2016 independent film Fare, director Thomas Torrey masterfully weaves a tight and atmospheric narrative of suspense and intrigue around a minimalistic cast. As an example of indie cinema at its finest, Fare meticulously palpates the breadth and depth of human emotion, underlining the subterranean impulses that drive individuals in both mundane and extraordinary circumstances. Through its nuanced examination of the human condition, Fare demonstrates the profound dramatic possibilities within the most ordinary contexts.

The movie features an intimately small cast, including Thomas Torrey, Katherine Drew, and J.R. Adduci, who imbue their characters with a deeply resonant humanity. The premise is deceptively simple: the story unfolds entirely inside a rideshare cab, where Torrey portrays the night-shift driver. The profound exploration of life within this small space is what sets Fare apart, juxtaposing the microcosm of the cab with the world outside, revealing the depths of human agony, ecstasy, and everything in between.

Thomas Torrey, who also directed and wrote the film, stars as Eric, a husband who takes up the job of a rideshare driver after his wife takes a higher-paying job, causing a strain in their relationship. Torrey's performance is moving, as he is confined to the driver’s seat for the length of the story, effectively using the power of subtlety and suggestion to evoke a sense of isolation and loneliness.

The cab itself plays a pivotal role, becoming almost a character in its own right. It comes to represent a cross section of society as various ridersome with their own narratives come and go. As these journeys unfold, viewers are treated to a rich tapestry of stories, punctuated by the fleeting touchpoints of the passengers' interactions with their driver.

Katherine Drew, in her role as Eric’s wife Audrey, does an excellent job portraying a woman torn between her ambition and her relationship. Her interactions with her husband shine a spotlight on the fine line between success and happiness. She talks to Eric mostly over video calls, maintaining a digital, rather than physical, presence in the unfolding narrative, which further emphasises the growing disconnection between the couple.

J.R. Adduci, playing Patrick, brings a different energy to the table. His encounters with Eric add more intensity and suspense to the film, forming the crux of the movie's central conflict. His role is significant, challenging Eric to confront his deepest fears.

Fare juggles various topics, including love, relationships, betrayal, jealousy, and morality. It probes into the intricacies of these themes with remarkable subtlety, gradually building an atmosphere of psychological tension. The back-and-forth narratives within the cab serve as a metaphor for life and its course, with the taxi representing the universe in microcosm—an intimate stage where the full spectrum of human emotions is played out. Major credit goes to Nicholas Matthews's cinematography and Justin Corsbie’s editing, which work in tandem to create an engrossing visual narrative.

The technical elements of Fare are also stark and effective, supporting and enhancing the fundamental storytelling. The film especially uses sound and lighting to great effect, creating a moody and atmospheric thriller. The use of dark and moody color palettes mirrors the complexity of human emotion, while the background music heightens the tone of suspense and intrigue that permeates the movie. This audio-visual dynamism contributes to the overall claustrophobic ambiance within the cab, making the film compelling and evocative.

While Fare is a seemingly simple film that takes place entirely within the confines of a taxi, its deeper exploration of morality, relationships, and the human psyche set it apart as a suspense thriller. It ultimately allows viewers to make their own decisions about the events and personalities they encounter, leaving them with compelling questions long after the end credits have rolled.

Fare is an engaging psychological thriller that succeeds in elevating everyday life by stripping it down to its rawest, most human state, offering a kaleidoscope of emotional experiences that challenge, question, and captivate in equal measure. The film is not only a beautifully woven narrative tapestry but also an introspective meditation on the human condition.