Is Be Astonished Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2014)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Be Astonished, a standout production of 2014, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Documentary landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into When Jeremy Higgs, an independent documentary film maker from Chicago, IL, meets 28-year-old athlete Stephen Saprid, he is so impressed he has to share his story with the world. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "When Jeremy Higgs, an independent documentary film maker from Chicago, IL, meets 28-year-old athlete Stephen Saprid, he is so impressed he has to share his story with the world. Stephen Saprid is a Filipino American athlete who is a contestant of the TV show American Ninja Warrior. He has acquired the skills and techniques needed to conquer any obstacles and challenges, from practicing holistic training discipline from Parkour and core strength and conditioning program from Crossfit. He has earned a degree in college allowing him to serve, save and protect real individuals not only in a professional setting but also wherever he may be. He is dedicated and will never give up on his dreams!"

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. The performance by Jeremy Higgs is nothing short of transformative, providing an emotional anchor that tethers the film's more abstract concepts to a relatable human experience. Jeremy Higgs captures the nuance of the script with a performance that will likely define their career for years to come.

The direction by Jeremy Higgs is marked by a bold and uncompromising hand. Technically, the film is a tour de force. The cinematography makes exceptional use of light and shadow, creating a visual language that mirrors the character's internal journey. The soundscape is equally impressive, with a score that is both haunting and celebratory, perfectly aligned with the thematic progression of the plot. The pacing, over its 62 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Be Astonished truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, then this is a mandatory viewing experience, a film that will haunt your thoughts long after you leave the theater.

The film's ability to transcend its genre labels is why it has earned its 8.3/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Be Astonished explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2014 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Jeremy Higgs respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Be Astonished is a rare gem that rewards the audience's attention with a profound and lasting impact. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Jeremy Higgs or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Be Astonished is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.