“Who’s Watching Oliver”
Written: Russell Geoffrey Banks, Raimund Huber & Richie Moore
Directed: Richie Moore
Starring: Russell Geoffrey Banks, Sarah Malakul Lane & Margaret Roche
Who’s Watching Oliver finds the sweet spot of balancing terror and storytelling. It tells the story of awkward, loner Oliver (Russell Geoffrey Banks) as he navigates his way around in a foreign land. It’s apparent that he is extremely isolated in his interactions with others and you immediately feel sorry for him. Those feelings of empathy quickly turn to disgust as the viewer realizes his nights are not as lonely as previously perceived.
Oliver has his domineering Mother to keep him company via video messaging. From their first interactions, it’s realized this is no typical mother-son relationship. Mama makes Norma Bates and Mrs. Lift (Throw Mama From the Train) seem like June Cleaver. Mama is mean, foul- mouthed and irrationally controlling as she demands things no mother should ask for. She controls Oliver’s every move, seemingly from around the world- and he obeys dutifully as he does dirty deeds in the cover of night.
Oliver’s life begins to change when he meets the beautiful and equally lonely Sophia (Sarah Malakul Lane). In Sophia, he finds a kind word and eventually a friend. As their chance meeting turns into daily dates at the park, Oliver begins to realize there is more to his life than doing his Mother’s sadistic bidding. You feel a deep sadness and fear as Oliver struggles to break away from Mama and live his own life. Who’s Watching Oliver is deeply dark, nihilistic and violent. It casts an uncomfortable light on the mental and physical abuses that can come from the people who are supposed to love us most. Wonderfully scripted and beautifully shot, this is a film that will stay in your mind long after it is over. Russell Geoffrey Banks gives a moving and powerful performance that elicits both pity and fear.
