What I liked
I was shocked by how funny it was, not knowing much of anything going into it. It’s sometimes funny in the clever quips type of way, but often funny in a dark and twisty kind of way. Like you’re laughing, and then you’re going wait a second… what did he say? Also huge shout out to the SFX makeup, and the visual storytelling overall. I was grossed out and horrified in the best way. The costumes, makeup, and props added so much to the metaphor and really helped the whole thing land. Two guys in pristine white shirts, while Micah gets bloodier and bloodier. I also need to call out again how well-acted this show is. Everyone did an excellent job of being so real but also larger than life in a way that allows the characters to come to life and the story to shine.
What I didn't like
I’d just love to see the full version of this since I know Fringe is a time-limited environment. I think some more time would allow for fleshing out the relationship between Micah and Cora so that last scene can hit even harder (although it still definitely landed). Also just wish y’all had unlimited budget for buckets of blood, as well as enough time to be able to clean and reset from buckets of blood Overall within the confines of time, budget, and venue, this was a beautiful job well done!
My overall impression
Heart Held at Knife Point was a beautiful and heart-wrenching journey, engrossing from start to finish. I laughed, I scoffed, I gasped, I was touched. The characters are well written, and well acted, in such a way that you’re like “ugh, I KNOW that guy. Or ten of those guys.” Or you watch Micah, our main protagonist, make messy choices that make you say “wow… I have been that girl. Trust me, DON’T DO IT GIRL.” It felt deeply evocative and reflective of a phase of life that many of us go through, and the metaphor of weapons and wounds captures the experience powerfully. Forget relationship baggage… how’s your festering, seeping wound?
