New Movies: Gazer (2024) by Ryan J. Sloan: A Fragmented Journey into Time and Perception
- dailyentertainment95
- Jun 6
- 11 min read
Gazer is Ryan J. Sloan's feature directorial debut, a psychological mystery thriller that plunges into the disoriented world of Frankie Rhodes, a young single mother battling dyschronometria, a rare neurological condition that distorts her perception of time. To support her family, she takes a perilous job from a mysterious woman, unaware that this decision will plunge her into a web of deceit, paranoia, and a personal quest for identity, all presented through a moody, neo-noir lens with a fragmented narrative and surreal touches.
Short Summary
Gazer is a psychological thriller following Frankie, a mother with a time-perceiving disorder. Desperate for money, she accepts a risky job that pulls her into a dark mystery, challenging her reality and identity. The film is a moody, neo-noir head trip, praised for its unique perspective and lead performance by Ariella Mastroianni.
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28633405/
About movie: https://www.gazerfilm.com/
Link to watch: https://www.justwatch.com/us/movie/gazer-2025 (US), https://www.justwatch.com/ca/movie/gazer (Canada)
Detailed Summary
Ryan J. Sloan's directorial debut, Gazer (2024), is a psychological mystery thriller that centers on Frankie Rhodes (Ariella Mastroianni), a young single mother grappling with dyschronometria, a rare and debilitating neurological disorder that severely impairs her ability to perceive time accurately. To cope with her fragmented reality and maintain some semblance of order, Frankie relies on self-recorded cassette tapes for guidance. Driven by the urgent need to support her family, she takes on a high-stakes, risky job offered by a mysterious woman. This decision, however, thrusts her into a perilous web of lies, murder, and mistaken identity, escalating her already chaotic life into a full-blown psychological nightmare. The film is described as a meditative "head trip," drawing heavily from the stylistic elements of classic film noir and the intricate narrative structures of films like Memento, all while exploring themes of loneliness, identity, and the fragility of human perception through Frankie's disoriented lens.
Plot Summary
The Disoriented Protagonist: Frankie Rhodes, a young single mother, lives with dyschronometria, a condition that warps her perception of time, causing blackouts and paranoia. She uses self-recorded cassette tapes to orient herself.
A Risky Opportunity: Desperate for money to support her family, Frankie takes a job from a mysterious woman. This woman offers $3000 to help her escape an abusive brother.
Descent into Mystery: This seemingly simple job quickly entangles Frankie in a complex web of deceit and a dark mystery, pushing her already fragile grasp on reality to the brink.
Unreliable Narrative: The story unfolds from Frankie's perspective, making her an unreliable narrator. Due to her condition, she experiences frequent blackouts and fragmented memories, which are sometimes replayed with subtle changes, adding to the suspense and ambiguity.
Neo-Noir and Psychological Elements: The film blends classic neo-noir stylings (shadows, voiceovers, femme fatales) with surrealistic touches, including Cronenbergian body horror and Jacob's Ladder-esque moments that reflect Frankie's mental unraveling.
Quest for Purpose and Connection: Beyond financial need, Frankie's involvement in the mystery is fueled by her deep loneliness and a yearning to be "seen" and to find purpose.
Twists and Ambiguity: The plot features constant twists and leaves many questions unanswered, forcing the audience to piece together the events alongside Frankie, often blurring the lines between what is real and what is delusion.
Director's Vision
Ryan J. Sloan, making his feature directorial debut, co-wrote and directed Gazer with a clear vision to create a unique psychological thriller steeped in neo-noir sensibilities.
Immersive Character Study: Sloan aimed for a deep character study, much like Coppola's The Conversation, where the entire film is seen through the eyes of a single, unreliable protagonist (Frankie). The goal was to immerse the audience in Frankie's loneliness, curiosity, and distorted perception of time.
Homage to Noir with a Twist: He drew heavily from classic film noir tropes (narration, shadows, unreliable narrators) but intended to "twist them a little bit where we could to make them as original as possible." The film explores characters on the "outskirts of society that are struggling to get by," a core element of noir.
Visual and Atmospheric Storytelling: Shot on hazy 16mm over several years, Sloan sought a "dreamy and intricate" aesthetic that feels both loose and propulsive. The gritty look, muted color palette, and saxophone-rich score by Steve Matthew Carter are integral to creating the unsettling atmosphere and reflecting Frankie's internal state.
Exploring Dyschronometria: The rare neurological disorder of dyschronometria was central to the narrative, allowing for a fragmented, disjointed structure that mirrors Frankie's fractured perception, echoing Gilles Deleuze's theories on cinema's relationship with time.
Emotional Core: Despite the intricate mystery, Sloan emphasized the emotional core of Frankie's yearning for normalcy and connection, and her desperation to be seen. He and co-writer/star Ariella Mastroianni worked together to make the film they "wanted to see," driven by genuine intention.
Themes
Perception and Reality: The central theme revolves around the subjective and often unreliable nature of perception, particularly through Frankie's dyschronometria, blurring the lines between reality, memory, and hallucination.
Loneliness and Connection: Frankie's profound loneliness and her yearning for connection and to be "seen" drive her actions and involvement in the mystery, highlighting the human need for belonging.
Identity Crisis: As Frankie loses her grip on time and reality, her sense of self and identity begins to unravel, challenging what she believes to be true about her past and who she is.
Motherhood and Sacrifice: Frankie's desperate attempts to provide for her daughter underpin her risky choices, exploring the lengths a mother will go to for her family in dire circumstances.
Neo-Noir Deconstruction: The film plays with and subtly subverts classic film noir tropes, examining themes of crime, deception, and moral ambiguity through a fresh, often surreal, lens.
Trauma and Memory: The fragmented narrative and distorted memories suggest an exploration of past trauma and how it impacts an individual's present perception and mental state.
The Human Condition: Ultimately, the film offers a meditation on the fragility of human perception and the desperate measures individuals take to regain control of their lives in a chaotic world.
Key Success Factors
Ariella Mastroianni's Performance: As co-writer and lead actress, Mastroianni delivers an "outstanding," compelling, and "phenomenal" performance, carrying the film's emotional weight and effectively portraying Frankie's raw vulnerability and unraveling.
Unique Narrative Concept: The central premise of a protagonist with dyschronometria provides a fresh and intriguing hook for a psychological thriller, allowing for innovative storytelling techniques.
Distinctive Visual Style: The decision to shoot on grainy 16mm, combined with muted colors, evocative sound design, and a classic noir score, creates a highly atmospheric and unsettling cinematic experience.
Effective Psychological Immersion: The film successfully immerses the audience in Frankie's disoriented reality, creating constant tension and keeping viewers on edge, questioning what is real alongside her.
Festival Acclaim: Having premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival (Directors' Fortnight) and receiving positive reviews there, the film gained significant early buzz and credibility within the independent film circuit.
Guerrilla-Style Independent Filmmaking: The film's microbudget, grassroots production approach is seen as a refreshing change, contributing to its raw, authentic feel and demonstrating strong creative vision with limited resources.
Awards and Nominations
Gazer (2024) has received notable recognition at prestigious film festivals:
77th Cannes Film Festival 2024: Nominated for Best Film (Directors' Fortnight) and Golden Camera (for best first feature film).
57th International Film Festival of Catalonia - Sitges 2024: Nominated for Best Film (Noves Visions).
Deauville Film Festival: Nominated for Grand Special Prize.
These nominations highlight the film's artistic merit, innovative approach, and the promising debut of director Ryan J. Sloan and lead actress/co-writer Ariella Mastroianni on the international festival circuit.
Critics Reception
Gazer (2024) has garnered largely positive critical reception, particularly for its unique concept, visual style, and the lead performance.
Screen Rant: Described it as a "Tense, Moody Neo-Noir That Sent Me Spinning With Its Gore & Surrealism," praising Mastroianni's compelling performance and the film's atmospheric quality. They noted it "sucks you into its world and keeps you there."
Mulderville.net: Called it "a compelling, thought-provoking debut," highlighting its "bold exploration of dyschronometria" and its "inventive use of cinematic form." They lauded Mastroianni's "outstanding performance" as Frankie, portraying her as "both raw and relatable." While acknowledging a slight falter in the final act, they concluded it's "a bold and inventive work that leaves a lasting impression."
The Blogging Banshee: Praised it as "a fantastic feature film debut for Sloan and Mastroianni as they craft slow burn suspense with non-stop twists," noting the "intriguing plot" and "exceptional performances" from Mastroianni and Renee Gagner. They specifically pointed out the effective blend of classic noir style with surrealistic elements.
The Hollywood Reporter (via IMDb): Described it as "A Striking 'Memento'-Like Noir That Keeps Viewers at a Stylish Distance," noting its "eye for striking imagery and careful compositions" and how its "chilliness reflects its heroine's own sense of disconnection."
Overall Summary: Critics have largely praised Gazer for its ambitious psychological premise, striking neo-noir aesthetic, and Ariella Mastroianni's captivating lead performance. While some found the mystery's resolution or the integration of surrealism occasionally uneven, the film is widely regarded as a strong and inventive directorial debut for Ryan J. Sloan, showcasing significant promise.
Reviews
Audience reviews for Gazer (2024) are not yet widely available on major public platforms (like IMDb user scores or Rotten Tomatoes audience scores), as the film has primarily had a limited theatrical and festival release. However, the critical reception and descriptions from early viewers at festivals suggest the film will resonate with those who appreciate:
Unique Psychological Concepts: Viewers who enjoy films that delve into altered states of perception and subjective realities will find Frankie's condition and the fragmented narrative compelling.
Neo-Noir Aesthetics: Fans of moody, atmospheric thrillers with strong visual styling and a sense of pervasive unease are likely to be drawn to its gritty 16mm look and classic noir influences.
Strong Female Lead Performances: Ariella Mastroianni's portrayal is consistently highlighted as a reason to watch, suggesting it will appeal to those who seek powerful, character-driven performances.
Independent and Arthouse Cinema: As a microbudget, guerrilla-style independent film, it will likely appeal to audiences who seek out more unconventional and artistically driven cinema outside of mainstream releases.
Overall Summary: While comprehensive audience reviews are pending, indications suggest Gazer will be a film appreciated by a niche audience interested in psychological thrillers, neo-noir, and independent cinema, particularly those who value strong acting and a unique narrative concept over straightforward plot resolution.
Box Office
Gazer (2024) has had a very limited theatrical release, primarily through independent distributors like Metrograph Pictures. Its box office performance reflects this niche distribution strategy, as it is not a wide release film.
Worldwide Box Office: Approximately $37,386 (as of early June 2025).
Domestic Box Office: Approximately $37,386, classifying it as a limited release film.
Its success is more accurately measured by its festival circuit acclaim, critical reception, and eventual reach through streaming platforms rather than traditional box office numbers.
Production Summary
Gazer is a microbudget, guerrilla-style independent psychological mystery thriller, directed, written, produced, and edited by Ryan J. Sloan in his feature debut, co-written by and starring Ariella Mastroianni, with production taking place over several years and shot on 16mm film.
Production Companies
Telstar Films
Sales Companies
Memento International (acquired international sales rights on May 2, 2024)
UFO Distribution (acquired French distribution rights on May 19, 2024)
Metrograph Pictures (acquired U.S. distribution rights on May 29, 2024)
Distribution Companies
Metrograph Pictures (U.S. Theatrical)
Various international distributors via Memento International (e.g., UFO Distribution for France).
Theatrical Release
Gazer (2024) had its theatrical release in the U.S. on April 4, 2025, primarily through Metrograph Pictures in limited engagements. It also premiered at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.
Why to recommend this movie
Innovative Concept: The film's central premise of a protagonist battling a time-perception disorder offers a fresh and unique approach to the psychological thriller genre.
Outstanding Lead Performance: Ariella Mastroianni's portrayal of Frankie is consistently lauded as compelling and emotionally resonant, making her character's struggle palpable.
Distinctive Aesthetic: Shot on 16mm with a moody, neo-noir visual and auditory style, the film creates a highly immersive and unsettling atmosphere that stands out.
Thought-Provoking Narrative: It delves into complex themes of perception, identity, loneliness, and the fragility of reality, inviting audiences to actively engage with and interpret the story.
Strong Independent Filmmaking: It's an impressive debut feature that showcases significant creative vision and technical skill on a microbudget, appealing to those who champion indie cinema.
Why to Watch Movie
If you're seeking a unique psychological thriller: This film is a "head trip" that will keep you guessing and questioning reality alongside the protagonist.
To experience a compelling lead performance: Ariella Mastroianni's acting is a major draw, carrying the film's emotional weight and making Frankie's disoriented world believable.
For fans of neo-noir and atmospheric cinema: If you appreciate gritty aesthetics, strong soundscapes, and a pervasive sense of unease, Gazer delivers on all fronts.
To support ambitious independent filmmaking: It's an example of a creative team pushing boundaries with limited resources, offering a fresh voice in the genre.
If you enjoy films that explore altered perception and memory: The film's unique narrative structure, driven by Frankie's condition, provides a fascinating exploration of these themes.
Movie Trend
Arthouse Neo-Noir Psychological Thrillers: Gazer firmly aligns with the trend of independent cinema that blends the stylistic elements of classic film noir with deep psychological exploration and often experimental narrative structures. These films prioritize atmosphere, mood, and internal character states over conventional plot twists, often featuring unreliable narrators and themes of fractured reality. They tend to find success on the festival circuit and with cinephiles, rather than broad mainstream audiences.
Social Trend
Increased Focus on Neurodivergence and Mental Health in Film: The film directly taps into the growing social trend of exploring neurodivergence and complex mental health conditions in narrative cinema. By featuring a protagonist with dyschronometria, Gazer contributes to a more nuanced representation of altered perceptions and the challenges faced by individuals whose experiences of reality differ from the norm. This reflects a societal shift towards greater awareness, understanding, and destigmatization of mental health and neurological differences.
Final Verdict
Gazer is an impressive and compelling psychological mystery thriller that marks a strong feature directorial debut for Ryan J. Sloan. Elevated by Ariella Mastroianni's captivating lead performance, the film effectively immerses the audience in the disoriented world of its protagonist, whose time-perceiving disorder creates a fragmented and deeply unsettling narrative. While its deliberate pacing and open-ended nature may not appeal to all, its unique concept, striking neo-noir aesthetic, and bold independent spirit make it a thought-provoking and artistically significant watch for those seeking unconventional and atmospheric cinema.
Recommendations for film makers
Embrace Unique Concepts: Don't shy away from building your narrative around a distinctive premise or a character with an unusual condition, as it can be a powerful driver for innovative storytelling.
Prioritize Atmosphere and Mood: For psychological thrillers, meticulously craft the film's atmosphere through visual style, sound design, and score. These elements can be as impactful as the plot itself in conveying character's internal states.
Collaborate Closely with Actors: When the film is heavily reliant on a single performance, foster deep collaboration with your lead actor, especially if they are also involved in the writing, to ensure authenticity and depth.
Maximize Microbudget Resources: Demonstrate how creative choices (like shooting on 16mm for a specific aesthetic) and a grassroots production approach can yield high artistic value despite financial limitations.
Trust Audience Intelligence: Be willing to present an ambiguous or fragmented narrative that invites audience interpretation, rather than spoon-feeding all answers, allowing for a more engaging and lasting experience.
Recommendations for Movie Industry
Support Distinctive Indie Voices: Continue to invest in and champion emerging independent filmmakers who bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to genre cinema, even if their films are not immediately mainstream.
Recognize Festival Acclaim: Pay close attention to films that receive positive buzz and nominations at prestigious film festivals, as these often indicate strong artistic merit and critical potential.
Diversify Representation of Mental Health/Neurodivergence: Encourage more nuanced and authentic portrayals of complex mental and neurological conditions in film, contributing to greater societal understanding and empathy.
Promote Niche Genre Films: Understand that there is a dedicated audience for arthouse and psychological thrillers that prioritize mood and character over jump scares, and develop targeted distribution strategies for them.
Value Artistic Risk-Taking: Support projects that are willing to take creative risks with narrative structure and visual style, as these often lead to more memorable and impactful cinematic experiences.
Final Conclusions
Gazer is a compelling and confidently executed psychological mystery thriller that effectively utilizes its unique premise to create a disorienting yet immersive experience. Ryan J. Sloan's directorial debut, powerfully led by Ariella Mastroianni, stands out for its strong neo-noir aesthetic, fragmented narrative, and profound exploration of perception and identity. While its niche appeal and non-traditional structure mean it won't be for everyone, its artistic ambition and the depth of its central performance make it a significant contribution to independent cinema. Gazer is a testament to the power of a distinct vision and skillful execution in creating a memorable and thought-provoking film that lingers long after viewing.
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