Watch Reality Check

Reality Check is a uniquely crafted indie film from 2002 that was directed by Rafal Zielinski. The movie follows the life of four young women who move to the big city to pursue their dreams of success and happiness. The lead role is played by Vanessa Campbell, who portrays a struggling musician named Christine. She is accompanied by her three roommates, Stacy (Natalia Cigliuti), Kimberley (Tiffani Thiessen), and Lisa (Krista Allen). Together, they navigate the ups and downs of friendship, careers, and relationships in the harsh and competitive city.

The film begins on a light note, showcasing the lives of the protagonists as they go about their daily routines. Christine, in particular, is seen playing gigs at local bars, trying to get noticed by record labels. However, as the story unfolds, the four girls get caught in a downward spiral of drugs, sex, and rock and roll. Reality Check isn't a coming-of-age story or a moralistic tale, nor is it just another film about the hardships of being a young artist. It's a factual account of the harsh realities of life in the big city and the measures that some people take to cope with them.

While engaging in their vices, the girls' attitudes towards each other change, and their once warm and loving relationships become tense and strained. Stacy, in particular, develops a drug addiction and starts distancing herself from the group. Kimberley, who is a successful fashion designer, is struggling to find balance between her busy work schedule and her relationship with her philandering boyfriend. Lisa, a model, is trying to deal with the pressure of always having to look perfect and put together while also trying to make it big in her profession.

Meanwhile, Christine tries to remain grounded amidst her band's conflicting demands and aspirations. When she meets an aspiring music producer (played by Timothy Lee DePriest), they form a connection that could potentially save her from her career burnout. However, their relationship is put to the test when Christine is offered a lucrative record deal that could lead to fame and fortune.

The movie is full of twists and turns, and it keeps the audience engaged from beginning to end. Each character has their own unique personality and struggles, making them relatable and three-dimensional. The cinematography is stunning, featuring visually striking shots of the city's skyline and alleyways. The score of the film is also noteworthy, as it blends rock and electronic music to create an atmosphere that perfectly complements the story.

Overall, Reality Check is a captivating film that shows the gritty side of pursuing dreams. It's a sobering reminder that success often comes at a cost and that facing the reality of life can be harsh. The movie doesn't shy away from depicting taboo topics such as drugs, sex, and alcohol, and it shows the repercussions of indulging in them. Although it's been almost two decades since its release, the film remains relevant today, and its messages are still as poignant as ever.

Reality Check is a 2002 horror movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.1.