A documentary filmmaker searches for answers in this really good indie mystery film.

Craig Nowak is an aspiring filmmaker whose latest film, a documentary on film noir, had a bit of a turnout but not as he would hope. Craig even shows a bit of jealousy when his old classmate has become a major director of a film that hit Sundance. The next day, during a chat with his family, Craig learns about his uncle’s passing years ago. However, someone has been planting flowers on his grave for years, but they have no idea who it is. Craig’s mother asks him to investigate it for her.

Craig decides to take advantage of the situation and make it into his next film. He feels that a real-life story could be the ticket to getting the fame he desires. He begins to get some possible clues with his uncle’s old employer, a bakery where the uncle once worked. However, as Craig begins to get deeper into the case, he finds himself accosted by two goons who are trying to force him to not make the film; and it soon begins to affect his marriage as he is determined to solve the case and finish his film.

Directed by the duo of Brad Podowski and Dan Gremley, this is a very intriguing film that has some intricate twists and turns. Based on true events, this would follow a documentarian who is determined not only to help his family, but also make the film he thinks will make him a bonafide filmmaker in the making. We get to see obstacles that stand in his way, from hired goons threatening him and his wife shunning Craig for his actions.

Michael Kunicki is really good in the central role of Craig. Kunicki shows a range of emotions, mostly from determination in the central role of Craig. Because determination is what triggers Craig. While still reeling from the small turnout of his last documentary, he finds possible redemption in making a film about a mystery involving his uncle’s death. He is so determined that even though he gets beaten and threatened to not follow through with the case, he defies them in their face not once, but on two occasions.

In films like these, we sometimes see the protagonist go a downward spiral into madness and chaos. And while the protagonist does find his marriage impacted as his wife sees it as an obsession more for his film rather than family, it only temporarily brings him down. However, it just makes him more pumped up to finish it. The revelation is quite a bit jaw-dropping and unexpected, and definitely should be checked out.

Silent as the Grave is a really good mystery film involving a determined documentarian trying to not only bounce back with a new film but solve a family case. The twists and turns are nicely done and the revelation is quite unexpected. If you like mystery, then this is one to check out.

WFG RATING: B+

Indie Rights Movies present a BP Video+ production. Directors: Brad Podowski and Dan Gremley. Producers: Brad Podowski, William Carroll, and Suzanne C. Johnson. Writer: Brad Podowski. Cinematography: Kuba Zelazek. Editing:

Cast: Michael Kunicki, Isabella Alonso, Charlisa Anderson, Buzz Leer, Gina Surles, Fred Wellisch, Julie Mitre, Caron Buinis, Donna Steele.