2018 Heartland Film Festival: ‘Painless’ ★★★
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By Bob Bloom
Imagine not being able to feel pain.
You scald your hand with hot coffee or fall and break your arm, all without the sensation of hurting.
The majority of us would probably consider that a blessing, but to Henry (Joey Klein), it’s a curse — one he wants to cure.
That is the premise of “Painless,” a small, science fiction-tinged drama written and directed by Jordan Horowitz.
“Painless” is different from your standard sci-fi movie because it concentrates on the toll this genetic mutation takes on Henry.
The film does contain some elements of experimentation and scientific discussion, but it focuses more on the human aspect of such a dilemma.
Henry’s sole purpose in life is finding a solution. He exists but does not live. More than once he tells people, “I don’t have time for distractions.”
“Painless” is an understated, low-key indie film that explores the psyche of an individual who knows he is different from the vast majority of people and refuses to accept that he cannot be fixed.
At a mere 81 minutes, “Painless” floats along, as Henry is continually researching and experimenting, trying to develop a method that would allow him to live a “normal” life.
He constantly consults with Dr. Parks (Kip Gilman), who has been looking after him for years.
Henry is approached by a research scientist, Dr. Andrews (Pascal Yen-Pfister), who asserts that he wants to help Henry, but who also has his own agenda — Andrews is in constant pain and also is seeking a remedy.
“Painless” is a very human story. Henry lives in a cocoon-like world, never really interacting with people and carries a knapsack filled with medical supplies in case he gets hurt.
His life is altered a bit when he meets Shani, who accidentally spills coffee on his hand while on the subway.
Shani (Evalena Marie) embraces life and nudges Henry out of his shell.
Klein’s performance is tightly wound and internal. He rarely looks directly at people and always is on guard.
He is strange, and he is vulnerable. Henry may not feel physical pain, but emotional hurt is another matter — and Klein reveals Henry’s anguish when appropriate.
“Painless” is a quiet film that looks inside an individual who simply wants to fit in.
He believes his lack of pain is the barrier preventing that. The lesson he learns — and that Horowitz postulates — is that it doesn’t take medicine or science to breach those obstacles, simply the will to take that initial step to heal yourself.
I am a member of the Indiana Film Journalists Association. My reviews appear at ReelBob (reelbob.com) and Rottentomatoes (www.rottentomatoes.com). I also review Blu-rays and DVDs. I can be reached by email at bobbloomjc@gmail.com or on Twitter @ReelBobBloom. Links to my reviews can be found on Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and LinkedIn.
The Heartland Film Festival takes place from Oct. 11 to Oct. 21. For a complete schedule and venues, go to www.heartlandfilm.org.
PAINLESS
3 stars out of 4
Not rated, language