Launched by Ray Murray, founder of TLA Releasing and Artsploitation Films, Cinephobia Releasing is dedicated to presenting the most eye-opening genre and LGBTQ+ movies from around the world. The label is admittedly schizophrenic: offering both controversial, often sexually provocative dramas, edgy thrillers and uncompromising horror while also showcasing some of the best LGBTQ+ romances and dramas. Expect the unexpected.
Facing mounting expenses and the unrelenting pressure of modern living, a down-on-his-luck cab driver is lured on to a mysterious new app that promises fast, easy money. As his first night on the job unfolds, he is pulled ever deeper into the dark underbelly of society, embarking on a journey that will test his moral code and shake his understanding of what it means to have freewill. The question becomes not how much money he can make, but what he'll be compelled to do to make it. If you've got nothing to lose, how far would you go?
directed by: Michael Pierro
starring: Nathanael Chadwick, Reece Presley, Lauren Welchner
2024 / 90 min / 1.85:1 / English DTS-HD MA 5.1
Additional info:
Overall rating: 4.5925927 / 5 from 27 reviews.
Review topics: ["thriller","film","indie","bonus","movie","features"].
"Interesting film. While taking place entirely in his car, manages to compel and hold my interest with his expressive face and the menagerie of passengers. It gradually gets dark, and then a few surprise twists resuscitate it just in time for it to come to a thought-provoking conclusion. The extras on the disc are a lot of fun, conversations and galleries etc. The standard edition features some nice inner artwork, too."
"Self Driver is an intimate, low-budget character study that explores themes of isolation, identity, and personal struggle. The film focuses on a solitary protagonist navigating their inner world, relying on subtle performances and quiet observational storytelling. Its deliberate pacing and minimalist approach allow viewers to engage with the protagonist’s thoughts and emotional landscape. Visuals are simple but carefully composed, emphasizing everyday moments and small gestures that reveal character depth. For fans of contemplative indie cinema, Self Driver offers a thoughtful and quietly compelling exploration of self-reflection and human vulnerability."
"Wasn't expecting much since I feel like I've seen variations of this a hundred times. But it hits the expected beats for the most part in solid strides, adding its own personality and swerve on things to make it interesting. There's a tightness to the pacing mixed with the personable lead that makes the film just fly by. The entire final act is presented "under the influence" with fantastic filmmaking tricks and editing to ratchet up the tension while maintaining a sense of both humor and danger."
"Bought this as a blind buy and so glad I did! Very low budget but very interesting story. Well shot and well acted. Very few special features."
"This was a blind buy during the Jan sale and I really enjoyed it, the ending wasn't awful, but prevented me from giving it 5 stars"
"Surprisingly gripping. A very relatable fellow trying to earn some cash for basic living commodities turns compellingly dark as the night waxes on. This movie does a lot with very little. Recommend for any thriller/minimalist fiend. 8/10"
"Super low budget indie movie. Great concept, not perfectly executed but still a lot of fun."
"Okay thriller. Some good bonus."
"Awesome modern thriller/horror"
"Fun little indie!"
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