Tribeca Film Festival 2024: A Rose For Katrina Review

By Justin D Williams

Michael arrives for a date with Katrina, a woman he has met online.  Hoping to make an impression he has brought her a rose. He is greeted at the door by someone who he initially believes is Katrina but who reveals themselves to be Katrina’s identical twin sister. Katrina’s sister is cold, even aggressive towards Michael. Michael suspects she is actually Katrina and playing a trick on him, though she denies this.

While they wait for the real Katrina to emerge, she challenges Michael to take a strange bet and becomes verbally abusive when he refuses. Michael, confused and humiliated, leaves, at which point the “real Katrina” appears and apologizes for her sister's behavior. She convinces Michael to get a drink with her. Michael gives her the rose, she asks him if it is real, when he says it is she asks what  he would “bet on it.”

The performances are a highlight of the film. Ben Ilobuchi delivers a nuanced portrayal of a man caught off guard, his expressions subtly shifting from excitement to confusion to unease. Megan Smart is equally compelling, her character's playful yet unsettling demeanor adding depth to the narrative. Their chemistry is palpable, enhancing the psychological tension that permeates the film.

The film's pacing is deliberate, with each scene meticulously crafted to build suspense. The cinematography is particularly noteworthy and some scenes were actually done in one take that is really impressive.

A Rose from Katrina packs a powerful punch. It is a testament to Quinlan's skill as a storyteller and director that he can create such a rich, thought-provoking experience in a short format. The film leaves a lasting impression, prompting viewers to reflect on their own experiences with trust and deception.