Self-branded as a “Psychological Thriller,” perhaps because this is a film not easily categorized, ‘Test Pattern’ is in no way a thriller. But is it interesting? Does it examine territory rarely represented in the movies? Yes and yes.
Very much an art-house film, but gorgeously wrought and with an amazing female lead, Brittany S. Hall plays Renesha, a successful Black woman with a job in the corporate world. She meets a goofy, but sincere guy (Will Brill) while out for a night of dancing. I will mention that he’s white because, while the story does take place in the progressive city of Austin, and while interracial couples have long stopped being a novelty, or even remarkable – race does play a part in the film. Mainly in subtextual, though unmistakeable ways.
The two have a fast-moving love relationship and are nearly settling into domesticity when, one night out with her girlfriend, Renesha is drugged by a white guy who takes her home and sexually assaults her.
From here, the film becomes an examination of how a black woman victim of sexual assault must navigate a different path than others. Also, we note how her boyfriend, a loving and well-meaning guy, also might be reacting as a white male to what has happened. The film never stops being interesting.
I call this an art-house film, because it’s not a film that comes to a definitive conclusion- it’s more the kind of film that drops you into the lives of others for a time, then you leave them behind while you continue the conversation with people you know.
Rated R. About 90 minutes. To Find Out How to See Movie, Click: https://kinomarquee.com/
