Rating summary

Movie		4.0
Video		4.5
Audio		4.5
Extras		4.0
Overall		4.0

Brooklyn 45 Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf May 30, 2024

Wartime secrets are explored in “Brooklyn 45,” which offers a single location and a cast of characters for a 90-minute examination of death, patriotism, and xenophobia. A supernatural element is included in the tale, which involves a particularly active séance, but writer/director Ted Geoghegan doesn’t make a horror feature, going the psychological route with a real-time journey into suspicion. There’s a lot to like about the endeavor, with Geoghegan challenged to create a suspenseful viewing experience while the story remains in one position. There’s an interesting examination of World War II and all the pain involved with service and intimidation, which is just beginning to spill into civilian life for the players, and while it seems to be headed in an Agatha Christie-like direction in the opening act, “Brooklyn 45” shies away from mystery elements, as Geoghegan shows more interest in character wear and tear, not the capacity for murder.

It’s December 1945, and America is coming back to life after years spent in World War II. In Brooklyn, Clive (Larry Fessenden) has organized a reunion with his friends, inviting them to his home for an evening of memories and drinking. He’s recently lost his wife, Susan, to suicide, in need of companionship from pals who’ve been through so much over the last few years. Marla (Anne Ramsay) was a top interrogation agent for the country during the war, but now she’s working at the Pentagon, which also employs her timid husband, Bob (Ron E. Rains), who’s hesitant when it comes to the social aspects of the evening. Archibald (Jeremy Holm) is currently under investigation for war crimes, confident his innocence will clear his name. And Paul (Ezra Buzzington) is Clive’s best friend and a man who considers himself a true American. While the gang catches up on their lives, Clive soon reveals the reason for the gathering, persuading his companions to participate in a séance inside a locked room, hoping to reach the spirit of his dead wife.

Exposition is key in “Brooklyn 45,” as Geoghegan is tasked with not only introducing five characters, but also detailing their personal connections, current life situations, and past participation in World War II. The story is set just before the new year, creating an atmosphere of change, with America coming out of conflict and looking forward to more peaceful times ahead. This tone of excitement fuels the opening act of the picture, with viewers getting to know how these friends respond to one another and handle their past lives, which have recently been mothballed. Marla is perhaps the most interesting of the bunch, with the seemingly mild-mannered woman a master of torture, using her skills to extract information out of the toughest of enemies. Archibald is also mysterious, offering a welcoming cocktail-hour presence, which covers the severity of his legal challenges.

Geoghegan creates a vivid understanding of the characters and the gathering, keeping tensions simmering as Paul’s military hardness pokes at others, including Bob, who wasn’t on the battlefield during the global conflict, while Archibald’s homosexuality is also looked over. However, Clive, who’s been drinking heavily, isn’t interested in going through good times and old banter. “Brooklyn 45” starts to take on a genre presence with the séance situation, as the gang is locked in a room, asked to join hands and help Clive deal with the unimaginable loss of his wife. Paranormal activity is present in the feature, but it doesn’t define the dramatic journey, with Geoghegan showcasing some business with banging sounds and the purging of ectoplasm before the situation takes on a new intensity, which is more theatrical in nature, watching as the pals are forced to deal with past actions and deep feelings, staying human around ghostly movement as homophobia, xenophobia, and resentment emerges.

Brooklyn 45 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

The AVC encoded image (2.35:1 aspect ratio) presentation explores the softer, darker period look at "Brooklyn 45." Detail on characters is appreciable, with vivid faces offering compelling skin particulars. Costuming is also fibrous, dealing with thicker uniforms and wintry weather outfits. Makeup additions are also open for examination. Interiors retain depth, and decorative additions are visible, with the action taking place in a room filled with art and household items. Color is secure, with initial Christmas hues registering as intended. Séance room activities deliver lots of green, and cooler hues are encountered with costuming. Ghostly events retain intended glow, and blood remains a deep red. Skin tones are natural. Delineation is satisfactory. For the truly adventurous, a black and white version of "Brooklyn 45" is presented as well, easily accessed through the menu or via the rarely visited "angle" button on most remotes.

Brooklyn 45 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 5.1 DTS-HD MA mix deals with the mostly conversational/confrontational nature of "Brooklyn 45." Dialogue exchanges are crisp throughout the listening experience, handling hushed confessions and more aggressive argumentative behavior without distortion. Scoring maintains a steady sound with sharp instrumentation, supporting suspense efforts. Soundtrack selections are also defined, with clear vocals. Surrounds aren't aggressive, providing a more nuanced understanding of sound effects and room movement. Low-end isn't too active, but the weight of harsh movements and violent activities is understood.

Brooklyn 45 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Booklet (26 pages) contains a production overview.

• Commentary features writer/director Ted Geoghegan.

• "Spirits of the Past" (30:16, HD) is the making-of for "Brooklyn 45," featuring interviews with writer/director Ted Geoghegan and actors Larry Fessenden, Kristina Klebe, Ron E. Rains, Anne Ramsay, Jeremy Holm, and Ezra Buzzington. Geoghegan opens by detailing his creative intent with the movie, looking to make "My Séance with Andre," interested in the chamber piece aspect of the picture. Going to his own Vietnam veteran father for help, Geoghegan was able to enter the mind of someone who involved in the military and conflict, also sharing his final contact with his dad, who loved the project. The cast discusses the rehearsal process for the ensemble film, learning to work with one another and create characters, which are explored by the interviewees, detailing actions and motivations. Thematic elements of the writing are also identified. A celebration of Geoghegan is offered, with the cast reacting to his sense of preparation and kindness, making quite an impression on all. Set design achievements are highlighted, with an effort made to maintain historical accuracy, and Geoghegan walks around the space, pointing out the details of decorative additions. BTS footage is presented throughout the featurette, offering short glimpses of the production in motion.

• A Theatrical Trailer has not been included on this release.

Brooklyn 45 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Geoghegan works to combat the inherent staginess of the material, and it's a battle he doesn't always win. However, "Brooklyn 45" has moments of cinematic authority, and the helmer has gathered an unusual and commanding cast to inhabit these roles and play this strange evening of escalation. Performances are excellent, securing behavioral nuance and argumentative fury, capturing the details of denial as old chums slowly turn on one another, with past sins and longstanding animosity emerging in the verbal chaos. This is where "Brooklyn 45" is most successful, with Geoghegan giving the ensemble room to inhabit disturbed individuals experiencing a supernatural evening, only to be confronted with the bitter reality of their own actions.