Chris St. Croix is an up-and-coming independent writer and director hailing from the East Coast, and he wants to ensure that his new feature length thriller, “Shattered,” is viewed by every cable subscriber in the nation. He’s doing all he can to make sure that this becomes a reality.

Movies and TV were a big part of St. Croix’s childhood, and he and his brothers loved putting together silly films to watch themselves. “I was bit by the acting bug when I was 5 or 6 and my brothers and I would make stupid Super 8 movies in the backyard, although I took them a little more seriously, I think,” St. Croix noted via email.  

He had no formal training, but rather is self-taught, and learned all he knows about the art by studying films, and as a result of having worked on a set for 10 years. He won the 2007 $10,000 Axe “World’s Dirtiest Film Commercial” contest, and his short film “Rocco & Vinnie” made the rounds at many a film festival receiving  rave reviews. Many directors have had an influence on St. Croix, and he names Tony Scott as the most significant to him. Jean Pierre Jeunet is also stimulating to him due to his unique visual style and ability to convey a story beautifully onscreen. St. Croix knew that he didn’t want to attend college, even though his father is a professor. Despite straying from this line of work, St. Croix’s folks were supportive. “My family didn’t have much but they were behind me all the way. I know how lucky I was to have that because a lot of artists I know didn’t,” he stated.

“Shattered” tells the story of four women - Nikki, Claire, Regina and Heather - who grew up as friends, and are now trying to build their lives together as adult entrepreneurs, and share a goal of opening a bar together. On the day of the establishment’s grand opening a tragedy occurs, which proves to test the women’s strength as friends, business partners and human beings.

Though the dialogue is sometimes problematic and not quite believable enough, the acting provided by the four female leads - Amanda Bailey, Miss U.S.A. 2000 Lynnette Cole, Jennifer Kennard and Jennifer Spriggs - was strong and spot on, and each actress flawlessly took on their unique personas. The sets used in the film, particularly a party scene to celebrate the bar’s opening and the bar itself were impeccably decorated. The painting, adornments and furniture in the bar were perfectly chosen, and the red and black color schemes were nicely complemented by candles and the lighted bar.

The ideas behind the plot were inimitable, and took a twist on the usually predictable thriller scenarios. The cinematography was visually remarkable for a film with such a green director, and the editing and transitions of the movie helped the plot move along seamlessly through to an ending that may shock some viewers. “Shattered” is a commanding and powerful debut by a young director who will only continue to grow in his field.

“Shattered” can be viewed on the Click! Network via Pay-Per-View and Video On Demand now. For more information about the film or director Chris St. Croix, visit www.chrisstcroix.com/shattered.htm.