Dark Harvest (2016 film)

Last updated
Dark Harvest
Dark harvest poster.jpg
Dark Harvest film poster
Directed by James Hutson
Written byJames Hutson
Produced by
  • Chad Barager
  • James Hutson
  • P. Lynn Johnson
  • Tim Laplante
  • James McLeod
  • Marc Petey
  • Ryan Petey
  • Tygh Runyan
  • Kevin Speckmaier
  • Zach Steele
Starring
CinematographyRyan Petey
Edited by
  • Aram Coen
  • Zach Steele
Music byAiko Fukushima
Production
companies
  • First Player Films
  • Greendale Productions
Release date
  • 2 September 2016 (2016-09-02)(United States)
Running time
90 minute
CountryCanada
LanguageEnglish

Dark Harvest is a 2016 Canadian thriller film written and directed by James Hutson as his directorial debut. The film stars Cheech Marin in his first marijuana film in 33 years. [1] [2] [3] After success on the festival circuit, the film gained a distribution deal for 2018.

Contents

Plot

Set in Vancouver on the eve of marijuana legalization, the story begins when a local marijuana grower is brutally murdered under mysterious circumstances. The victim's best friend, Carter Holmes (James Hutson), is devastated by the loss and becomes determined to uncover the truth behind the killing. Despite warnings from his wise mentor Ricardo (Cheech Marin), who advises him to stay out of the dangerous situation and let the authorities handle it, Carter refuses to remain passive.

Driven by grief and a desire for justice, Carter forms an unlikely partnership with Bernie (A.C. Peterson), a seasoned narcotics investigator who becomes personally invested in the case after suffering an injury from a bear trap while investigating the crime scene. The injury leaves Bernie with a limp, but his determination to solve the case remains unshaken.

As Carter and Bernie delve deeper into Vancouver's criminal underworld, they uncover a complex web of corruption, betrayal, and competing interests surrounding the impending legalization of marijuana. Their investigation reveals that the murder may be connected to larger forces seeking to control the emerging legal cannabis market. The duo must navigate dangerous territory, facing threats from various criminal elements while racing against time to identify the killer.

The investigation takes them through Vancouver's seedy underbelly, where they encounter drug dealers, corrupt officials, and other unsavory characters, all while the clock ticks toward legalization day. As they get closer to the truth, Carter and Bernie discover that the murder was not a random act of violence but part of a larger conspiracy that threatens to claim more lives if they don't act quickly to expose it.

Cast

Production

Filmmaker James Hutson was inspired to create this film based upon his experiences acting in training films for his local police department. The role of Bernie was played by Hutson's acting teacher A.C. Peterson who at the time was recovering from hip surgery. The inclusion of a bear trap injuring the character of Bernie, allowed the film to take advantage of the limp resulting from Peterson's healing hip, and became the "inciting incident" and thrust of the film. [2] [3]

Reception

The film received positive response from The Hollywood Reporter , praising Cheech Marin's stoic performance, and writing that "strong performances and compelling atmosphere make up for the overly convoluted plotting." [1]

Awards and nominations

References

  1. 1 2 Scheck, Frank (September 7, 2016). "'Dark Harvest': Film Review". The Hollywood Reporter . Retrieved 2017-10-03.
  2. 1 2 Hutson, James (September 9, 2016). "Good and Bad Seeds: How Reenacting Crimes for the Vancouver PD Helped Me Grow My Indie Pot Thriller". MovieMaker .
  3. 1 2 Lambert, Chris (September 15, 2016). "Writer, Director: James Hutson on DARK HARVEST". Film Colossus. Film.[ permanent dead link ]
  4. 1 2 staff (2016). "The Edmonton International Film Festival (EIFF) Announces 2016 Jury & Audience Awards" (PDF). Edmonton International Film Festival . Archived from the original (PDF) on October 4, 2017. Retrieved October 3, 2017.
  5. 1 2 "The Winners". Columbia Gorge International Film Festival. September 2016. Retrieved October 3, 2017.[ permanent dead link ]
  6. 1 2 3 staff (2016). "2016 Best Picture". Oregon Independent Film Festival. Retrieved October 3, 2017.
  7. ↑ "2016 winners". CannaBus Culture Film Festival. 2016. Retrieved October 3, 2017.
  8. ↑ "James Hutson Nominated for Best Direction at the Leo Awards for the Film 'Dark Harvest'". Metro Living Zine. June 2, 2017. Retrieved October 3, 2017.
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