Nothing says "low-budget" and "small-fry" quite like two stars with few if any other credits to their names, who also wrote the screenplay, and a director (and editor, and cinematographer, and producer) who also has few if any other credits to his name. By no means is this to say that such a picture can't be worthwhile on its own merits; small-time productions can be outstanding, and major big-budget fare can be a flailing mess. It's safe to say, though, that one might reasonably sit for a film like 'From dust' with tempered expectations.
Sincerity goes a long way, however, especially when - given such an abbreviated runtime - plot development maintains a fairly steady clip, dialogue is loaded with pop culture references that are a little much after the first few, and some inclusions (including sound or music cues) are just a little too on the nose. The feature oscillates between being brusque and direct (especially in terms of how some scenes and story beats play out), and subtle and tactful (not least in laying out the horror elements). While Kenneth P. And Mel Chapman's screenplay is fine in the broad strokes, some expository facets struggle to feel cohesive or pass the bar for suspension of disbelief, and connective threads are troubled generally; dialogue is altogether rough at points. The cast's lack of experience or training is apparent, yet their effort is admirable, and I wouldn't for one moment say that any of them are bad. Filmmaker John Ginty's contributions are uneven in all regards, yet at least satisfactorily competent and capable.
The story is nothing revelatory, but suitably well-written and absorbing to keep one watching. I'm not entirely sold on how 'From dust' plays with a couple well-worn tropes, though again, the earnestness of the project shines through. This applies as well to the smaller details that betray the low-budget nature - the filming locations, the lighting (or lack thereof), the bare-bones presentation in which special makeup seems to have received allocation of the most resources outside basic filming costs (the best place for them to go, to be fair). Suffice to say that in most every way, the movie is very distinctly a mixed bag: never downright below average, but varying significantly in quality and never achieving any major heights. Recognizing the limits of what Ginty, the Chapmans, and their cast and crew had to work with, however, I really do appreciate this little slice of sci-fi horror that they were able to pull together. Genuine care and heart went into the production, and if it falls short, I still have to hand it to all involved for the endeavor.
For my part I actually quite like 'From dust,' though I can understand why others have a more difficult time with it. This is a title for those who like the explore the more low-key, less visible, if not outright homegrown side of cinema. If that sounds like something you can get on board with, then this earns a soft recommendation.
