Paranoia: 1.0

REVIEW
Jeremy Sisto (“Six Feet Under”) is Simon, a paranoid computer programmer who isolates himself in his apartment. One day, he receives a mysterious and totally empty package -- and they keep coming. Who is behind these packages and what do they mean? Is it his delivery man (Eugene Byrd), who shows up regularly to feed Simon’s milk habit? Could it be his sexy neighbor, nurse Trish (Deborah Kara Unger)? The S&M-obsessed filmmaker (Bruce Payne)? Or the always creepy Udo Kier and Lance Henriksen? As the expression goes, just because you’re paranoid doesn’t mean they’re not after you. Simon’s apartment is covered with hidden cameras, and his increasing hallucinations aren’t helping him stay within the boundaries of sanity. The title of the film refers to computer programs, specifically, the always-buggy first release (1.0). First-time writer-directors Jeff Renfroe and Marteinn Thorsson have crafted a wily psychological thriller that serves as a Kafkaesque sci-fi nightmare in the mold of Pi. The retro-futuristic sets create an absorbing universe that is just alien enough to not feel quite like home, populated by a tremendous cast from left-of-center Hollywood. Yet beyond the surrealist style is a truly chilling statement on personal privacy and where we are headed as a corporate-controlled society. Beware of gifts in empty packages, but be grateful for the big American independent film gift that is One Point 0.