Reviewed by Tracey Paleo, Gia On The Transfer

On the evening that Stephen plans to suggest to his girlfriend Alice, her father Cal exhibits up forward of her to speak him out of it.  You may be pondering: one of many uglier eventualities in relationship hell.  And you’ll be proper.  As a result of it doesn’t cease there in THE BOX.  Not solely does Cal intimidate his not-so-soon-to-be son in legislation, the early night takes a violent flip after Cal reveals simply how a lot he is aware of about his daughter’s boyfriend.  When Cal additionally challenges him to a bodily take a look at meant to psychologically debilitate him, Stephen is left to try to clarify to Alice the unexpected penalties.  However there’s extra.  There at all times is.  And when Alice lastly arrives, the rationale why Cal interfered on his daughter’s behalf is revealed and it’s a lot worse than Dad stepping in.  Neither Alice nor Stephen can proceed to lie about their true emotions about each other.

There may be some stellar appearing on this fast-paced, 80-minute melodrama directed by Patrick Hamilton.  Chelsea J. Smith (Alice) and Conor McGee (Stephen) have an particularly straightforward chemistry between them they usually fantastically fence the emotional undertone of the dramedy to crescendo; which isn’t notably straightforward within the naked house or when the menacing Cal (Darrell Shipley) is within the room.  There may be additionally the problem of the setup.  There’s a kind of actor scene-study class feeling about script.  A bit one be aware and never plenty of nuance.  Thrilling however not notably believeable.  

All three actors make it largely work, nonetheless, even when the occasional monologue is directed on the viewers as an alternative of one other actor.  (I truthfully wouldn’t wish to flip my again on an individual as threatening as Cal). And despite the fact that, all three take turns at being utterly unlikeable.  General, it’s a enjoyable little relationship comedy thriller that undoubtedly affords a sobering thought to “until loss of life do us half.”

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