Film Review - PVT Chat (2020, Second Opinion)

The opening two minutes will immediately define interest levels of viewers, nobody needs to watch this but the actors are certainly going for it throughout in a collective of uncomfortable sequences of stupidity, mostly voyeurism, sometimes depravity, at times reminiscent of 1970s exploitation obscurities.

Somewhat unconventional love story of freedom, fantasy, death and friendship, follows unemployed, online gambler, two-minute noodle connoisseur and liar, Jack (Peter Vack) into a relationship with erotic cam girl, mistress Scarlet (Julia Fox).

Director Ben Hozie, displays an understanding of modern world compressions of sociological affliction befriending strangers online, in this scenario, beautiful women eager to please for virtual credits; into masking either financial or sexual struggles of the real world.

Jack is obsessed with Scarlet; she seemingly has mutual interest by eventually dropping the act to go as far as share some of her artwork with him and discuss life.

Intrigue and wonder set in, are the odd pair now friends? Jack is convinced but something is just not right, then something miraculous occurs.

He randomly spots Scarlet buying a six pack in a nearby store, following close behind unannounced down streets and back alleys.

The discovery escalates further into stalker territory, into a laughable situation under a couch, but tables are turned and surprisingly the final stanza of PVT Chat becomes one of deeply layered shock.

Authentic New York locations captured in guerrilla style cinematography works well, Julia Fox, backs up her shining moments in Uncut Gems (another powerfully awkward film) here in spectacular leading lady astuteness.

Look fast for celestial ‘Edith Pop’ alumni, Laura Hajek in an amusing cameo.

Unknown to me until now, Peter Vack; so good he’s annoying.

The inertia of Jack is relentless, blinded by what could have been some real tender moments with adorable contemporary artist Emma, a wonderful Nikki Belfiglio (member of top-notch music outfit, Bodega) a former girlfriend, she is out of his league, way too good for Jack, although she clearly ires him despite being treated predominantly awful, in her own apartment no less.

An aggravating tough watch this independent visual instillation may be, the proximity of two unlikely individuals grasping for better things becomes strangely addictive and romantic.