Deany Bean Is Dead tells the story of a small town in Montana and the mysterious death of one of their own, Deany Bean. The movie follows Wendy Wilkins' character, Katie, who is a local journalist trying to uncover the truth about Deany's death. The movie opens with a shot of a small town, with everything looking peaceful and quiet. The tranquility, however, is abruptly interrupted by the news of Deany's death. Katie sets out to investigate the incident, but almost everyone in the town is reluctant to talk about it. This creates a sense of suspicion and intrigue that permeates the movie.
As Katie delves deeper into the investigation, she uncovers a series of secrets and intrigues, revealing a dark side to the town that she didn't know existed. Melanie Leanne Miller's character, Deany, is portrayed as a free-spirited and optimistic young woman who had dreams and aspirations beyond the confines of the town. Her death is called into question because it seems like she didn't have any reason to take her own life, as the official reports suggest.
Paul Tigue's character, Sheriff Joe, is one of the few people in the town who's willing to talk to Katie about the incident. Joe is portrayed as a stern and no-nonsense law enforcement officer, but he has a soft spot for Deany, which is evident through his confession that he was in a relationship with her. This revelation adds to the complexity of the storyline and creates more questions about Deany's motives for her actions.
What sets this movie apart is its focus on character development. The audience gets to know the characters intimately, understanding their motivations and emotional struggles. The character interactions feel genuine and uncomplicated; the small-town setting adds to the charm of the movie. The cast delivers great performances, portraying characters that feel authentic and relatable.
The director impressively takes his time with the pacing, introducing us to the town's dynamics, the characters' relationships, and their lives before the incident, thus building up an emotional investment that keeps the audience engaged. The brooding atmosphere and the melancholic musical score complement the film's unsettling atmosphere.
The cinematography is another highlight of this movie, capturing the natural beauty of Montana's landscapes. Scenes of the mountains, rivers, and forests create a sense of awe, but they also highlight the isolation and remoteness of the town. Likewise, the movie's color palette looks gloomy and melancholic, emphasizing the somber mood of the narrative.
As the investigation unfolds, Katie's character grows as she faces more obstacles and setbacks. However, this does not deter her from seeking the truth, and the audience sees the inner strength that drives her forward. Deany Bean Is Dead is not just a murder mystery, but it's also a story about the human spirit, the power of resilience, and the will to overcome the worst of situations.
In conclusion, Deany Bean Is Dead is a well-crafted indie film that packs an emotional punch. It might not be for everyone, but those who appreciate character-driven narratives, atmospheric cinematography, and well-written dialogues will find this movie engaging. The movie is not flawless, and there are instances where the plot feels convoluted, but overall, it manages to hold the audience's attention until the end. The film tells a poignant story about loss, grief, and coming to terms with the past.
Deany Bean Is Dead is a 2018 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes.
It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.
