The Bystander Theory is a dramatic thriller film from 2013 that follows the story of John, played by Brad Leland, as he struggles with the aftermath of a tragic event. The movie is directed and written by Tony Zavaleta, and it stars Wendy Zavaleta as his wife, Gina, and Dameon Clarke as the detective, Hedges. John is a construction worker and family man who witnesses a murder and decides not to intervene. The event affects him deeply, leading him to develop a distorted sense of reality where he believes that everyone is a potential murderer. His fear and anxiety take a toll on his relationships with his wife, children, and co-workers as he becomes increasingly paranoid and isolated.
As the story progresses, we see John's obsession with identifying the murderer and his refusal to accept that there could be no connection between this event and his own life. He begins to question the motives of his colleagues and friends, even going as far as to spy on them and record their conversations.
The Bystander Theory uses a non-linear narrative to explore the different angles of John's story. We see flashbacks of the murder and John's initial reaction to it. We also see his conversations with Hedges, who tries to make sense of John's behavior and urges him to seek help.
The film is a slow-burning thriller that keeps the audience on edge as we watch John's descent into madness. The tension is further heightened by the excellent cinematography and soundtrack, which create an eerie and unsettling atmosphere.
Brad Leland delivers a nuanced performance as John, effectively conveying the character's internal struggle and inner demons. Wendy Zavaleta and Dameon Clarke also shine in their respective roles, providing a sense of grounding and balance to the film.
The Bystander Theory is a thought-provoking film that asks important questions about morality, responsibility, and the human psyche. It explores the consequences of inaction and the impact it can have on an individual's mental health and relationships.
Overall, The Bystander Theory is a compelling watch that showcases the talents of its cast and crew. It's a film that will leave you thinking long after the credits roll.
The Bystander Theory is a 2013 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 34 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.5.