Note: This review contains spoilers.

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Bryan Poyser’s funny and complicated “Lovers of Hate” could be a study of how a very dysfunctional sibling relationship can make all other relationships seem “normal”. The Writer/Director came up with “Lovers of Hate” after staying one night at a home near Park City, by himself – the very one that appeared in the film. During the Q&A he said he was all alone in the house and thought he could hide and no one would have known he was even there.  But the real mastery is in the story he created and the wonderful performances by his actors.

“Lovers of Hate” centers around two brothers and the one woman they both love. Rudy, played masterfully by Christopher Doubek (The Happy Poet, Earthling), is a walking train wreck. The film opens with Rudy trying to shower in a DIY car wash because he is living in his car after his wife threw him out. Rudy’s very successful younger brother, Paul (Alex Karpovsky) writes children’s novels in the vein of Harry Potter, an idea he got from his older brother who used to tell him these stories when they were kids. Heather Kafka is brilliant as Rudy’s estranged wife, Diana. Things get more uncomfortable when Paul figures out that Rudy and Diana are no longer together after an awkward dinner while in town promoting his latest book. Following the dinner, Paul goes to a mansion in Park City owned by a friend, to write his next novel, but his brother Rudy beats him there and hides in the house. While hiding he discovers his wife Diana has come for a weekend of sex and more sex.

Still remaining hidden in this 4 story house, Rudy plays pranks to sabotage the couple’s weekend. But what’s amazing and uncomfortable is when Rudy is hiding and has to listen and sometimes watch his brother have sex with the woman he still loves. Half of this film is Doubek acting without speaking, which I found to be astounding. Kafka’s portrayal of Diana is multilayered and evokes a mixed bag of emotions. Out of the three main characters I felt the most sorry for her and being caught in the middle of this broken relationship.

In the illustrated e-book on the Lovers of Hate website (very cool, check it out), Poyser states “The people that you’re closest to are usually the ones that you end up hurting the most.” Something I think everyone can identify with and each of this film’s characters have flaws that we have all experienced in one way or another in our lifetime.

SXSW Film: “Social & New Media: The Cheaper Film Promotion Alternative“

Leslie Poston (Uptown Uncorked, Film POP!, Twitter for Dummies Co-Author), Amy Greenlaw (Film POP!), Chase Bailey (“The Libertine”, “Crooked Lane”) and Mark Constance (“Terminator 3″, “Being John Malkovich”, “Losing Jerry”) will discuss promoting independent film. Long gone are the days of small budget Independent films toiling in obscurity. Just like small businesses, Independent Films are embracing Social Media and New Media technology as a low cost way to promote their films. Come listen to our experienced panel discuss new ways to grab eyeballs for your project. VOTE FOR THIS ONE HERE. Get others to vote and comment by sharing this URL: http://bit.ly/sxswindie

SXSW Interactive: “Online Presence: Asset of the Future“

Leslie Poston (Uptown Uncorked, Film POP!, Twitter for Dummies Co-Author) and Jim Keenan (Avaya, A Sales Guy) will be talking about the near future, and how your online social presence will become a must-have asset, a life-long living resume that will determine your success in relationships, careers, education and more. It will break down barriers and create unheard of opportunities – if you leverage it well. This panel is based on our upcoming book: “Online Presence: Asset Of The Future” and will involve statistics, case studies, methodologies and a lively Q&A component. VOTE FOR THIS ONE HERE. Get others to vote and comment by sharing this URL: http://bit.ly/sxswasset – THANK YOU

SXSW Interactive: “Self Hate Isn’t Sexy: Gender, Race & Tech“

Leslie Poston (Uptown Uncorked, Film POP!, Twitter for Dummies Co-Author) is joined by Rakiesha Chase (Social Butterfly Experiment) and other panelists TBA to discuss how gender and race opportunities are two recurring themes in technology. Are we part of the problem, or part of the solution? This panel is about moving beyond the usual “we’re oppressed” quagmire discussion and into real, workable solutions, starting with ourselves as individuals to effect change in tech and social media. VOTE FOR THIS ONE HERE. Get others to vote and comment by sharing this URL: http://bit.ly/sxswsexy – THANK YOU

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