G U I D A N C E R E V I E W S
“…a sleek three-person relationship drama… Sobhani spices it up with slow-building suspense that rewards patience — for protagonists and viewers alike.” NEW YORK TIMES
“The stunning, languid imagery of Guidance may mesmerize you… But don’t let it distract you from the existential dilemma that runs like a river throughout its vivid cinematography… Highly stylized, this work represents today’s multicultural world: Guidance is not solely a film about China, but about our worldwide humanity.” PSYCHOLOGY TODAY
“... A slow and atmospheric exploration... Sobhani’s film does what great science fiction always does: deepen our understanding of each other through science and technology. Guidance is a stellar production… Equal parts relationship drama, science fiction, and mystery, the film leaves you stunned by its conclusion. This is a once-in-a-lifetime, truly great film.” FILM THREAT MAGAZINE
“…a beautifully shot film [that asks] us to ponder whether truth is the only ideal to strive for…or is duplicity just another part of who we are?” BLACKBOOK MAGAZINE
“Guidance uses a small story, three actors and simple beautiful photography to explore abstract truths. It accomplishes what a sci-fi film with a budget of $300 million and grandiose special effects often cannot accomplish.” Han Song Luo
“…with nuanced performances from Jia Sun and Harry Song that captivate and draw the viewer into their drama, with visual metaphors throughout the narrative, Guidance offers a masterclass in terror found in implication and in its depiction of this relationship being tortured by knowledge.” Horror Buzz
“a wonderful bit of storytelling that is charming, frightening, and somehow relatable”... AIPT
“Ironic revelations, villainous machinations, heart jerking tragedy…But the film’s real strength is in the moments that deny pleasure. In its best moments, the film suggests that seeing and understanding don’t necessarily lead to identification and understanding.” Wealth of Geeks
“…a carefully crafted film. A complex morality tale that begs your attention. Guidance is endlessly compelling.” Reel News Daily
“Clever, inspiring, and thought-provoking, Guidance is the kind of indie science fiction film that all indie science fiction films should aspire to emulate.” VCinema Show
“Guidance displays a filmmaker using the confidence of his previous short films parlayed into a solid initial outing… and it packs a lot in a short 93 min: expert setups, mystery, secrets, unexpected revelations, and a ton of dramatic irony.” Poprika Reviews
“Sun Jia and Harry Song stun with remarkably complex performances.” For Reel Magazine
“…vividly illustrates the perils of the utopian temptation and its unintended consequences… offers an intriguing looking future world… for genre fans who can appreciate its quiet thoughtfulness.” J.B. Spins
“…we can easily see ourselves asking the same questions as the characters…my favorite type of science fiction story…” Sonic Cinema
“As viewers, we witness an existential study in human dynamics, told through a mere two members of the world’s population.” Psychology Today
“…stylish, dreamy and wishful…a shocker of a revelation comes out [as] the film concludes its examination of human nature…” Canada National Observer
“Visually stunning and with a storyline which burns slowly and rewards you every step of the way, Guidance is the perfect film for moviegoers wanting a truly cinematic and meditative journey from start to finish.” Attack the Culture
“…a provocative Lo-Fi Sci-Fi romance…” Screen Anarchy
“Clever, thought provoking… the emotional manipulation is wild. The weight of trauma bonding is front and center. Boasting fantastic performances, Guidance is a rollercoaster.” Reel News Daily
“Sun Jia’s performance is brilliant, playing through levels of anger, despair, and coyness. [It’s her] duplicitous nature, seen up front, that makes her performance fascinating to watch.” Poprika Reviews
“Stylish, visually striking… stunningly immaculate… [the] visual style cannily captures the ambiguous effects of emotional clarity… ” Wealth of Geeks
“…an enthralling journey…cleverly creates a near future world which is both believable and just different enough… as is the case in Guidance, it the more cerebral and interior stories which work best…” Backseat Mafia
“Prescient…Guidance could not possibly be more timely.” Blackbook Magazine
“…an intriguing sci-fi flick that is less concerned with the more fantastic possibilities. Its story is a grounded one.” AIPT
“Guidance is right on the cusp of greatness… brimming with stellar performances, expert direction, and dazzling cinematography.” For Reel Magazine
“[a] sleek sci fi journey…Karma, lies and deception all exist in the same realms and Guidance spares no favors for those not willing to concede.” HM Uncut
“Solid acting and solid storytelling are first and foremost. A quiet study on trust and how secrets can poison a relationship… a must-see for fans of character-driven stories.” Poprika Reviews