AFFECTION

(director/writer: B.T. Meza; cinematographer: Jason Hafer; editor: David Gallegos; music: Daniel Berk; cast: Joseph Cross (Bruce), Julianna Layne (Alice), Jessica Rothe (Ellie); Runtime: 89; MPAA Rating: NR; producers: Austin Walk, Ray Dariz, J.P. Oulette, B.T. Meza; Minutehand Pictures/Brainstorm Media; 2025)

“Visually striking and well-executed sci-fi/horror pic about memory loss”

Reviewed by Dennis Schwartz

B.T. Meza is the first-time director and writer of this low-budget, visually striking and well-executed sci-fi/horror pic about memory loss. It never climbs to great heights because its cleverness never clearly materializes.

Ellie (Jessica Rothe) lives in a rural farm house with her husband Bruce (Joseph Cross). After injured in a car crash her memory can’t be trusted because she develops a rare brain disorder, as she sees apparitions and believes her name is Sara and has a son. In reality, she has a young daughter Alice (Julianna Layne).

The main thrust of the film is about finding one’s identity and of handling a debilitating illness. Rothe’s believable performance of questioning her own reality makes the film worth pondering.

It played at the Overlook Film Festival. 

REVIEWED ON 5/27/2026  GRADE: B-
dennisschwartzreviews.com