Way Too Indie has been very excited for the release of Erik Peter Carlson’s The Toy Soldiers (our review) since pre-production a year ago and we are very pleased to hear of it getting its US Premiere next month at the Dances with Films festival where it has been chosen as the closing night feature.

A film to be celebrated world-wide The Toy Soldiers is a topical, controversially captivating story that will keep you hooked from the beginning right through to the powerful thought-provoking finale.

Watch trailer for The Toy Soldiers

Erik Peter Carlson’s début feature Transatlantic Coffee was a visually stimulating observation of one man’s story of isolation from society and his overwhelming desire to be loved. With The Toy Soldiers Erik Peter Carlson has once again conceived an authentic and universally relatable saga that demands serious recognition.

Within the opening moments of the film we are taken on a reflective emotional rollercoaster. A montage of distressing scenes showcase the characters that will each play a part of the brutally sincere journey we’re about to experience which brings you almost to tears before the story has even unfolded. Nothing can truly prepare you for how this night will end, all that you can do is take a leap into the unknown and let The Toy Soldiers illustrate to you their melancholic yet captivating stories.

An elderly narrator is heard over the introductory sequences, he could be perceived as being one of the boys from the story in future years. The man is talking into a recorder about life lessons, hardships, uncontrollable situations, mental illness and emotional experiences. These significant moments that we all share at some point in our lives correlate with the disturbing scenes shown in the background. The man ends his speech by saying, “It might sound like I’m preaching, or delivering a sermon, that’s because I am. Sometimes shit happens, this shit needs to happen. If it didn’t, we wouldn’t evolve as individuals. As your councillor and someone who has been through these different steps for many reasons I can assure you the real world does have its pleasant moments, you just have to know when you’re living them.” – cue The Toy Soldiers.

On the eve of the imminent closure of popular hangout “The Toy Soldiers Roller Rink” five stories that detail stages of grief, courage, love and drama will change the lives of its protagonists forever. As we discover more about each character, it becomes increasingly apparent that the film is not focusing on one particular person, but instead draws our attention to and highlights the question everyone, past and present, fears to ask themselves – “who am I?”. However with that said, it should be stressed that every individual actor played a huge part in creating this deep, well written and accurate commentary on a society that seemingly hasn’t progressed a great deal in 30 years. Their acts of bravery in spite of everything happening around them is what makes this film incredibly special, every character demonstrates heroism more than ever when luck isn’t on their side.

The Toy Soldiers must be congratulated on its distinctive style and vibe. The cinematography, lighting, clothing and set designs, location choices and especially the music collectively enabled an energetic and colourful dramatic success; a Hollywood film on an indie budget, fired by genius in other words. The importance of the themes covered and how well they were handled – homophobia, mental illness, abuse and the imperfections of humankind, cannot be understated or overly applauded. The cast was remarkable, each giving stellar performances; Chandler Rylko (Elliot Harris), Constance Brenneman (Mary Harris), Samuel Nolan (Jack Harris) and Nick Frangione (Steve), for some this was their first lead performance in a feature film yet there was not a single frame where they showed it.

Erik Peter Carlson grabs controversial topical subject matters by the horns and steers them into such a brilliant direction you can’t help but absolutely admire his continued efforts to delve deeper than the norm. A phenomenal personal achievement for the director and an outstanding accomplishment for his cast and crew. The Toy Soldiers is nothing short of extraordinary.

From the first few seconds into the opening sequence of Transatlantic Coffee, I was hooked. The beautiful shots, the soulful melody of Alix Paige and expert use of lighting all blend together perfectly in setting the tone for this wonderful New York original.

We notice right away that the man sitting in a carefree New York City blues bar is troubled. His edgy disposition accompanied by jarring images of distant or recent memories flash on and off screen against the tempo of the music, portrays a man burdened with repressed thoughts that are invading his mind. As the opening sequence ends with a very high pitched drawn out noise, a speeding train races past a block of apartments, sharply bringing us back to Alex’s morose reality.

The film begins quite slowly, establishing Alex (Kevin Pinassi) as a depressive, drunken man whose choice of employment, (providing entertainment as a clown), contrasts with his disdain for life and sullen nature. His longing desire to find someone that will allow him to escape from the constant loneliness he has submitted himself to, is where his story begins.

Over the course of this film, we’re given the opportunity to tread in the footsteps of this lonely man’s quest to feel love again. Set just a month after 9/11, Alex’s story serves as a metaphor for the trauma New York citizens dealt with after the attack. The city itself; grey and in stasis, Alex also seems somewhat out of touch from reality. His hostility towards life, towards his family and his only friend are a result of his disconnection from society.

Early into Transatlantic Coffee we discover Alex has met a teenage girl from London online and has asked her to stay with him in The Big Apple. Mandie (Rachel Marie Lewis) is a high spirited stripper with a lust for living life to the fullest; a juxtaposing element to Alex’s depressive lifestyle. Nevertheless, the couple spend several weeks together, bonding over different aspects of each other’s personalities, and things begin to look up for Alex. The film however, constantly reminds us of how conflicting the individuals are.

A very poignant scene shows Alex and Mandie sat awkwardly making small talk to break the ice after weeks and weeks of relying on the social barrier of internet messaging. Alex, not wanting to give much of himself away, is hesitant to talk. Mandie on the other hand, makes herself comfortable as soon as she enters his apartment. As the airy tension between them rises, the music in the background becomes more dominant and Alex begins to describe how he associates music to memories, he feels that “music is the one way you can capture a moment” – this, to me, is just the epitome of his character and of the film. Music is very apparent in Transatlantic Coffee; it consistently sets the tone, the atmosphere and the mood of each character and each scene highlighting how Alex sees each moment of his life.

Alongside the usage of musical and visual cues, Transatlantic Coffee also utilizes the concept of individual perception to explore another predominant theme; that of Alex and Mandie’s attraction to one another despite their rather overwhelming differences. Alex, during a memorable moment whilst they stand looking over Manhattan at night, tells Mandie he is colour blind. Mandie responds with “I’m so sorry…it must be horrible living in a city like New York and not being able to enjoy the colour and vibrancy of it all” to which Alex states, “Not really, it’s all I’ve ever known” – from this brief conversation we get to understand the characters a little better. With Alex’s depressive nature and Mandie’s colourful outlook on the world, they are ‘different in their own way’.

As the film progresses differences melt between the two. Mandie paints a picture for a close friend back home in England, when Alex sees this painting he realizes he can see colour. He associates this new profound ability with the love he holds for Mandie and is therefore awakened from his black and white world; this reinforces Alex’s need for her to be a part of his life.

The sexual tension between the two characters is admitted very early on, however Alex is hesitant to act upon his desires. The film pushes you to feel how real every situation is throughout the story and how the relationship shared between the two, is full of genuine emotion. Every glance, touch and embrace feels so honest and meaningful that all your senses tell you it’s real.

Transatlantic Coffee is a beautiful independent picture directed and written by Erik Peter Carlson. It focuses on visual energy and atmosphere created by spectacular cinematography, scenic locations, choreography and costume designs. The script highlights how beautiful life can be yet with the help of a well-structured narrative; the storyline illustrates the ugliness that sometimes can creep through. The subtle flashbacks from Alex’s memories and out of place lines were suggestive to the films conclusion, nevertheless they were almost unnoticeable. An almost flawless motion picture, Transatlantic Coffee is an independent wonder, enriched with fantastic colour, unforeseen twists and occasional eroticism.