Jamie Marks is Dead centres around dead high school student and misfit, Jamie Marks (Noah Silver from The Borgias). He was an outsider who never really fit in with his peers. The speculation, jokes and ridicule around his demise are a true indicator of the bullying and torment that Jamie experience on a daily basis in life.
Adam (Cameron Monaghan, Shameless) and Gracie (Morgan Saylor, Homeland) meet under the bridge where Jamie’s body was found and a relationship forms. The relationship soon turns sexual and the two are suddenly aware that they both have an unusual gift. Both of them can still see Jamie.
Whilst Gracie is repulsed by visions of Jamie’s ghosts and begs Adam to ignore him, Adam feels a strong connection to the ghost of Jamie who pulls him further and further into the world of the undead. A dangerous confrontation between Adam and the vengeful spirit unable to move, leaves Adam’s at risk.
The film is slow-paced and dark, building anticipation and expectation throughout. The direction is strong, the characters solid, and the actors all do well in portraying their relevant roles. Cameron Monaghan as Adam is by far the stand out as he leads the viewer on a complex journey of emotions when he is forced to choose between a friendship with Jamie and a relationship with Gracie (who makes it clear there is no room for both).
If you are looking for a horror movie you would probably be disappointed as the film is much more a coming-of-age drama about friendship, love, and loss. A grand jury prize nominee in the Sundance Film Festival 2014, this film is worth a look if you want to be disturbed but not necessarily frightened.
Reviewed by Cassandra Holmes
Rating out of 10: 5
Jamie Marks is Dead will be released on DVD on 24 August 2016.
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