Empath
Having an Episode
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Drama, Short Films, 20-Sep-2022
Afflicted by a mysterious case of hyper-empathy, a young woman stumbles across a group that claims to treat the disorder. “Empath,” directed by Alec Moeller, is an engrossing character study lifted by a powerhouse performance by Betsey Brown. Moving through everyday life is a minefield of emotional triggers for Kate, who can’t be around others in pain without feeling the pain herself. Seeing a psychiatrist results in a prescription for mood stabilizers but when she comes across a flyer for an alternative method — an Empath Support Group — she considers the later option, though it soon becomes clear the group’s methods are quite unorthodox. With wall-to-wall tears, Moeller’s film captures its vulnerable subjects in darkly comedic scenes propelled by an entrancing score. -KA. Writer, director: Alec Moeller. Cast: Betsey Brown, Nadi Lee, Johnny Ray Meeks, Ally Davis, Michelle Simms, and introducing Leanne Tarrab. DP: Ben Mullen. PD: Phil Steiger. Wardrobe: Janet Gomez. Editor: Andy Ruse. Producers: Andy Ruse, Jesy Odio.
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