source: Marcus

Marcus, written and directed by J. R. Poli, stars Owen Miller as the titular character Marcus Howard, a grizzled and weary man whose world is falling apart all around him. After losing everything and teetering on the brink of ending it all, Marcus sets out to find his estranged daughter Gaby played by Katana Malone. With new life-changing revelations presented upon Marcus' arrival, the two near-virtual strangers work to see if forgiveness, absolution and reconciliation are even possible. Miller and Malone play well off of one another, giving us some of the film's strongest and most heart-felt moments. But it is Miller's "monologued" moments that bear the most weight. Miller's performance, both figuratively and literally, illustrate the struggles we all face when dealing with societal expectations, social norms, imposter syndrome and one's own definition of success. Composer Chris Coleman's melancholic score accents some the film's finest and heaviest moments. The motif in the climactic hospital scene in the third act is beautifully and hauntingly anchored by Coleman's soundscape, which replaces all of the sound and dialogue. Marcus is a drama with some light-hearted moments that delve into some dark spaces and may even be triggering for some. This film tackles the imbalances of love, loss, family, mental health issues, abandonment, socio-economic struggles and touches on the state of our medical system, all real-world related matters. However, Marcus does not leave the viewer believing that they are alone. The talk Marcus has with a seemingly stranded driver on a highway overpass and the "under-the-door" conversation Marcus has with longtime friend Matt Boyd's (Todd Bruno) son Jackson (Greyson W. Poli) are two of the more endearing moments in the film. On the whole, Marcus dares to ask, can a person still find peace amongst what seems to be insurmountable instances of pain, struggle, heartache and setbacks in life.

Very rarely do you see a film that really hits home and lets you dive deep within yourself. J. R. Noli made a masterpiece with Marcus. I cannot wait to see what is next. This is truly one of the BEST movies I have seen in a very long time! It is worth buying/renting and watching over and over!

This is hands-down one of the best films I've ever watched. An absolute masterpiece. While watching I went on a journey with Marcus. Speaking on topics that some would shy away from. Being honest and transparent in each of those situations allowing art to imitate life so seamlessly that you could not tell the difference. The scene in the car was the most powerful thing that I have ever seen. I had no idea which way it would go but it was powerful in every sense of the word. So many people go through hard times in life this movie is so relatable. Kudos to everyone that had anything to do with this film great work guys! By the way does anyone know if the songs that Gabby (Katana Malone) sings in the movie are actually available for download they were beautiful love the lyrics.

I loved the message and openness of mental health. A lot of us go through too much alone and run away from help out of fear of seeming weak or feeling weak ourselves. Not wanting to put our burdens on others. Movie displays the worst results of that mentality perfectly.

This was a beautiful translation of the real struggles with mental illness of not only the individual who suffers from it, but also the emotional toll the loved ones surrounding them.

Marcus is a masterpiece! JR Poli delivers a gripping psychological and thrilling work of art. The elements of emotion heighten your senses as a viewer, pulling you deeper into Marcus' unbalanced world as he struggles to stay above water. The weight of this role is clearly a very demanding one, at which Owen Miller fills the shoes of Marcus in a way no other actor is able to, churning out quite the performance. Excellent job to all who were involved in the making of this great Miami film!

Marcus is a beautifully written movie with a unique perspective on mental health. The shots were clean, acting felt very real and the plot will hit you at your core. The Director touches on a topic very prevalent in today's world and will leave you with a different outlook on life.

The brilliance of what J.R. Poli and emotion of Owen Miller bring to the screen makes Marcus a must watch. Owen quickly pulls you in seamlessly as you become a spectator of his journey. Laughing, crying, just feeling. The way J.R. Poli navigates you threw every emotion had me feeling like I was watching pure art. Marcus should be a handbook for anyone who struggles with mental health issues but has a hard time putting to words their experience. 10/10

14 Written reviews.. all of them giving it 10 out 10. I mean, come on! At least try to make it believable . Alfred Hitchcock's Psycho could not do get that feedback. I don't say that 1 star does justice. But I just need to do something to protect future viewers who will fall into the same trap as me. The movie is very slow indeed, the cinematography is just bad, acting is inadequate, its soundtrack feels like a boring, conventional neoclassical improvisation, overall definately not a movie I would suggest someone to watch. And for sure definitely not a masterpiece as the other 100% of reviews here suggest!