This low-budget indie drama about a man notified that one of his former sexual partners is HIV-positive has strong relevance for a black community suffering alarmingly high statistics for the disease. Widely seen on the black film festival circuit, "One Week" is now playing a limited theatrical release in New York, New Jersey, Chicago and Atlanta before widening later this fall.
Varon Thomas Kenny Young, who co-wrote the film with director Carl Seaton) is happily preparing for his upcoming marriage to the lovely Kiya (Saadiqa Muhammad) when he is suddenly contacted by the "partner notification" program of a local health clinic. An unnamed former lover who has tested positive has put him on the list of people to be informed. Suddenly, his life is turned upside down as he nervously waits out the one-week period before he can get his own test results back, even while coping with job pressures and his imminent nuptials.
He must also make the torturous decision as to whether or not to tell his fiancee. His wastrel best friend Tyco (Eric Lane), who has become a source of conflict between Varon and Kiya because he spent an inordinate amount of time camping out on Varon's couch and smoking pot, advises him in no uncertain terms not to tell her. It seems that Tyco has received the same notification from the clinic, and it becomes apparent that both men shared the same lover.
"One Week" was apparently originally intended to be a comedy, and its several comedic scenes blend uneasily with the melodramatic aspects of the story line. It must also be said that the film suffers from languid pacing, often cliched dialogue and less than top-notch technical elements. But there are also some scenes that strongly resonate, and the film's important message is delivered without excessive sentimentality or being overly preachy. The lead performers provide vivid and impressive characterizations, particularly Lane as the blunt-talking Tyco.
ONE WEEK
Film Life
Director Carl Seaton
Screenplay Kenny Young, Carl Seaton
Executive producer Phil James
Co-executive producer Jeff Friday
Producers Phil James, Amberr Washington
Director of photography Jeffery T. Brown
Editor Phil Lee
Music Michael Bearden
Color/stereo
Cast:
Varon Thomas Kenny Young
Kiya Parker Saadiqa Muhammad
Tyco Eric Lane
Tasha Milauna Jemai
Ms. Watts Pam Mack
Big Ma Gwen Carter
Running time -- 97 minutes
No MPAA rating...
Varon Thomas Kenny Young, who co-wrote the film with director Carl Seaton) is happily preparing for his upcoming marriage to the lovely Kiya (Saadiqa Muhammad) when he is suddenly contacted by the "partner notification" program of a local health clinic. An unnamed former lover who has tested positive has put him on the list of people to be informed. Suddenly, his life is turned upside down as he nervously waits out the one-week period before he can get his own test results back, even while coping with job pressures and his imminent nuptials.
He must also make the torturous decision as to whether or not to tell his fiancee. His wastrel best friend Tyco (Eric Lane), who has become a source of conflict between Varon and Kiya because he spent an inordinate amount of time camping out on Varon's couch and smoking pot, advises him in no uncertain terms not to tell her. It seems that Tyco has received the same notification from the clinic, and it becomes apparent that both men shared the same lover.
"One Week" was apparently originally intended to be a comedy, and its several comedic scenes blend uneasily with the melodramatic aspects of the story line. It must also be said that the film suffers from languid pacing, often cliched dialogue and less than top-notch technical elements. But there are also some scenes that strongly resonate, and the film's important message is delivered without excessive sentimentality or being overly preachy. The lead performers provide vivid and impressive characterizations, particularly Lane as the blunt-talking Tyco.
ONE WEEK
Film Life
Director Carl Seaton
Screenplay Kenny Young, Carl Seaton
Executive producer Phil James
Co-executive producer Jeff Friday
Producers Phil James, Amberr Washington
Director of photography Jeffery T. Brown
Editor Phil Lee
Music Michael Bearden
Color/stereo
Cast:
Varon Thomas Kenny Young
Kiya Parker Saadiqa Muhammad
Tyco Eric Lane
Tasha Milauna Jemai
Ms. Watts Pam Mack
Big Ma Gwen Carter
Running time -- 97 minutes
No MPAA rating...
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