Leaving D.C.

Leaving D.C. is a 2012 mystery horror film independently produced and directed by Josh Criss, who also stars as the leading character in the film. Alongside Criss, the film boasts a minimal ensemble including Karin Crighton and Jeff Manney who add to the overall enigmatic quality of the movie. Given its indie roots and unique storytelling approach, the film typifies a DIY, low-budget filmmaking ethos, and serves as a chilling and suspenseful illustration of what can be achieved with a strong narrative without a reliance on big-budget effects.

The film is centered around Mark Klein (Josh Criss), an anxious middle-aged government employee fed up with his mundane existence in Washington D.C. Stirred by a mix of frustration and existential crisis, he makes a bold life-altering decision to move away from the bustling concrete city life into a serene house situated in the woody outskirts of the busy Washington D.C world. Mark's decision is portrayed as a chance to start over, offering him a much-needed escape from the harsh demands of his city life into the solitude of nature.

However, this seemingly idyllic scenario doesn't stay peaceful for long. Mark quickly discovers that the nous of his new house and surrounding area may not be as gentle and welcoming as he initially anticipated. Leaving D.C. subsequently unfolds as a chilling tale of paranoia, speckled with traces of seemingly supernatural events. Mark documents his experiences in his new house using an online video blog, a modern take on the conventional “found footage” approach that adds an air of authenticity to the story’s unnerving occurrences.

Notably, Leaving D.C explores themes of solitude and psychological torment through the character of Mark Klein. It crafts suspense not through conventional horror elements but through the character's building dread as unexplained events begin to happen. What starts as minor odd occurrences soon become troubling signs that something is off about the quiet woods surrounding his new home. The question becomes; is Mark really alone in the woods or is something distressing happening?

A major strength of Leaving D.C lies in Josh Criss’s storytelling approach, which alters between video blogs and third-person viewpoints to provide a more layered narrative. Moreover, the film is laudably eerie in its atmospheric effect; choosing to use phantasmal, almost whispered noises and sinister silhouettes, rather than relying on commercial scare tactics. Yet, it's most thrilling element remains its well-managed ambiguity. The film keeps you guessing, questioning the nature of the recordings, and whether there is indeed something more diabolical at play or if it is a product of Mark's imagination and growing paranoia.

Josh Criss is splendid, showcasing an impressive range as Mark Klein. His portrayal of the growing tension, fear, and isolation felt by his character is highly engaging and forms the backbone of the film's suspense. Criss successfully creates a character who is relatable yet complex, grounding the supernatural elements of the story. The film's other performances, though fewer and further between, also contribute to the overall eerie atmosphere and tension of the film, serving to bolster the intrigue surrounding Criss’s character.

Leaving D.C., by design, is intimately focused, and thereby, may not be everyone’s cup of tea. It leaves a great deal up to personal interpretation, heavily leaning into psychological horror over a straightforward narrative. However, for viewers up for a cerebral, suspenseful foray into psychological horror, Leaving D.C. would undoubtedly satisfy. With its eeriness, engaging leading performance from Criss, and tightly woven narrative, Leaving D.C. brings an undeniably unique and thrilling experience to the indie horror film genre. It represents the possibilities that can be achieved within the constraints of a low-budget production and brings a refreshingly different approach to horror storytelling. Despite its indie status, it has a decidedly professional feel, making it an exciting contribution to the indie film landscape.

In sum, Leaving D.C. successfully manages to balance elements of mystery and psychological horror while maintaining a minimalist approach. It's a chilling tale that will keep you on the edge of your seat, an intriguing puzzle with just the right amount of ambiguity to keep your mind running. It is as much a stirring character study as it is a haunting horror tale. The film is a must-watch for fans of psychologically thrilling, suspenseful storytelling and for those interested in the indie film-making scene.