Dundrill Heights: A Soul's Revelation
Joseph Watkins Da Watcha
Indie films are great to look at. At times, when you view them, they reveal the truth of a person or, in some instances, unveil the soul of a man. In the indie film, Dundrill Heights, we have the opportunity to examine the life and death of James Jackson II, or Jay for short.
James Jackson II, played by Lamondre Bonney, is a prominent lawyer who is married with a son. However, beyond his marital status, he also has a side chick (who is pregnant), and a same-sex lover (college years) that still wants him after all these years. As Jackson, leaves his college roommate’s home, he’s involved in a car accident.
This accident becomes the catalyst for the battle of his soul with the devil Lucifer, played by Winston Robinson and the angel Michael, played by Micah Blair, playing the background. Additionally, as his soul is up for grabs, secrets are unveiled by family members, parents, siblings, even the doctors.
Junior's life was anything but ordinary. The film unravels the complexities of his existence, shedding light on his secrets. Amidst the revelations, we witness the tangled web of relationships that Junior had woven over the years. Beyond the smokescreen of his prominent legal career, he harbored a parallel life, one marked by clandestine affairs and hidden connections.
James Jackson II portrayed by Lamondre Bonney,
With his accident, more of Jay's philandering ways are laid bare for the audience. A secret family with a woman named Kim, complete with two children, and a side relationship with a woman named Maria Rodriguez Sanchez. The unraveling of these hidden affairs further deepens the narrative, exposing the intricate threads of Junior's life.
In this revelation, the unfolding narrative takes an unexpected turn into the realm of comedy, introducing Kevin Jaboomba of Jaboomba’s Insurance and Funeral Home. Portrayed by the charismatic Valton Johnson, Kevin injects a burst of humor into the storyline with his eyepatch, minifro, and outfit. Here, Kevin's character serves as a delightful contrast, adding levity to the heavy emotions taking place.
As events unfold, Jay's path to redemption takes center stage in the most unlikely of places with Jaboomba's insurance and funeral home. In a surprising twist, Jay finds himself assisting his wife and family with a life insurance policy in the millions. A redemption, possibly.
Kevin's character not only brings comic relief but also serves as a symbol of the unexpected and unpredictable nature of redemption. His interactions with Jay’s family adds a layer to the narrative, challenging notions of how redemption can manifest in the most unlikely of places.
Kevin Jaboomba of Jaboomba’s Insurance and Funeral Home played by Valton Johnson
Overall, Dundrill Heights is an indie film that explores the consequences of deviating from the straight path. The film doesn't shy away from confronting the repercussions of Jay's choices nor does it sugar coat the consequences that erupt from them. Karma is at play here, full circle and Dundrill heights is a reminder that no person can hold their secrets forever. In life or death, all gets revealed.
3.5 out of 5 stars
