Hollywood Reporter - 2022 Ambie Awards - The Friendship Onion "Best Entertainment Podcast"
The Ambies - The Friendship Onion "Best Entertainment Podcast" Nominee 2022
Film Threat
"Props to filmmaker Jon Cvack for going for broke. In Road to the Well, an ostensibly by-the-book murder mystery, the writer/producer/director blends comedy, drama, and even dashes of horror, applying philosophical brush strokes to the proceedings. It’s an unusual, daring little piece that reformats familiar elements eloquently enough to make one overlook its lo-fi trappings and warrant a recommendation."
Variety
True-Crime Content Studio Solve Expands into Podcasting After Raising $20 million from investors
Tech Crunch
Solve, the startup creating an interactive "Law & Order" for social media, raised $20 million
New York Times
Story on Solve Series and Progression of Mobile Content
Extra! (Entertainment Program)
Road to the Well was included in Extra’s “Art House” segment, which highlights the latest independent films available. Watch the full segment here.
LA Times
"...flavorful dialogue, and a sense of scope that's rare for a movie about betrayal and murder."
- Noel Murray | Read Full Article
Variety
Press for "Solve" series
Read Full Article
Monkeys Fighting Robots
"Road to the Well is a curious picture told with real confidence, an artistic eye for detail, and some impressive, painterly composition from cinematographer Tim Davis. The Coen influence is heavy, but there are (visually) elements of Shane Carruth’s uber low-budget thriller Primer here, and ample stylistic references to David Lynch seeping through the screen. It’s worth seeking out, and it’s probably a good idea to keep the the name Jon Cvack in your memory banks."
- Larry Taylor | Read Full Article
Flickering Myth
“There are plenty of filmic comparisons worth making in John Cvack’s Road to the Well. Nods to Shallow Grave, tips of the hat for Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, as well as sly winks towards Soderbergh’s first feature Sex, Lies and Videotape. Atmospheric homage can be attributed to the former and latter, while that essence of cool so inherently associated with Fiction has much to do with Cvack’s structural precision…. a uniquely bold and original thriller – 5/5!”
- Martin Carr | Read Full Article
Dirty Movies (U.K.)
"This exquisite and delectable blend of Lynchian suspense and net-noir murder is guaranteed to keep you hooked for nearly two hours and brooding over it for hours to come... the result is an immaculate gem waiting to be unearthed - 5/5"
- Victor Fraga | Read Full Article
Fate Link
Interview (30 Days/30 Directors Series)
Reel World Theology
“Road to the Well is an impressive feat for an independent film. From the cinematography to the directing, the editing and especially the acting, you are never drawn out of the story by the production. Actor Micah Parker exudes the patient charisma of Oscar Isaac. He plays Jack with just the right amount of simmering edge. Laurence Fuller wears the surrendered melancholy of Frank like a comfort blanket tattered with holes, ready to snap at any moment. The landscape of the film is often visually stunning, grim when it needs to be and striking when you least expect it.”
- Mark Wingerter | Read Full Article
Salty Popcorn (Australia)
“…this film is quite an accomplishment. It is far from a standard story, it has a feeling of size to it that is rare for debut, small-budget films. The characters are all fantastically written and the actors absorb themselves completely. No two characters are alike, a fact that is taken advantage of, making for some entertaining and memorable dialogue delivered by some very interesting characters.”
- Kernel Jordan | Read Full Article
Sex, Gore, Mutants
"A strong cast flesh out Cvack's well-drawn characters with skill, further lending this a Coen vibe. Rather than resorting to set-piece showcasing or rushing things along towards a chaotic, blood-strewn final act, Cvack's darkly humorous screenplay is - like his peers' best works - very much character-driven, and all the better for being so."
- Stuart Miller | Read Full Article
Borrowing Tape
Interview with Jon Cvack
Woodbanger Entertainment
“…I’ve seen many indies in my time but this one stood out amongst a large portion of them… a superb film”
- Woodbanger Entertainment, Read Full Review
AM-FM Magazine
"With a stand out cast and brilliant cinematography, ROAD TO THE WELL holds the audience in the palm of its hand. The script effortless pulls Frank into deeper and deeper shit, and never falls into the trap that so many low budget features do, stagnancy"
-Bears Fonte | Read Full Article
The Smoking Lamb Podcast
"Gorgeous to look at. Thrilling to watch. Jon Cvack is the next Jeremy Saulnier."
- Joshua Morris | Listen Here
Blake Crane
“The dramatic thriller peppered with dark comedy is reminiscent of the Coens’ earlier works. There’s a measured neo-noir vibe that keeps the tale of murder, mystery, and betrayal compelling throughout.”
- Blake Crane | Read Full Article
Cine Grandiose
“…this movie’s power is in its images and what they have to say: more than pretty frames, a thriller with comic and frequently interesting twists… Road to the Well enjoys its success mainly because of its character writing and photography”
- Caio Bogoni | Read Full Article
Sex, Gore, Mutants
"A strong cast flesh out Cvack's well-drawn characters with skill, further lending this a Coen vibe. Rather than resorting to set-piece showcasing or rushing things along towards a chaotic, blood-strewn final act, Cvack's darkly humorous screenplay is - like his peers' best works - very much character-driven, and all the better for being so."
- Stuart Miller | Read Full Article
The Women’s Desk (WBAI Radio)
“..while conventional noir is primarily dramatically dependent on climactic narrative shock and awe, thwarted millennial pessimism here would appear to emotionally favor a lockdown, been there done that gloomy, fractured despair. Though this twisted ride to nowhere and back, serves up intriguing and impressive detours along the way.”
- Prairie Miller | Read Full Article
"Intense and well-acted...Cvack’s a talent to watch."
- Mark Burger | Read Full Article
Ziprett (Switzerland)
"...the explosion of lies and hidden intentions between old pals is worth seeing."
- Ziprett | Read Full Article
Mauxa (Italy)
Interview with Jon Cvack
- Giovanni Menicocci | Read Full Article
Eye for Film
“Treading a fine line between farce and analytical drama, director Jon Cvack steers the film past many potential pitfalls, producing something that, whilst not always successful, is certainly distinctive. The comedy is pitch black in places and the thriller elements become stronger as the story develops, but it’s at its most interesting as a character study about a man who thinks he’s just like everyone else, the scary thing being that he might be right.”
- Jennie Kermode | Read Full Article
366 Weird Movies
"Road to the Well looks spectacular, and the filmmakers know it; cinematographer Tim Davis is the first name credited after Cvack. Also contributing is the evocative, pizzicato-laced score of composer Conor Jones, who adds layers of foreboding and menace to scenes which don’t really go anywhere on their own. The production quality of the movie far exceeds its sub-six-figure budget, and Cvack and his collaborators deserve a look from big-time producers looking for great moviemaking talent."
- Shane Wilson | Read Full Article
Leah’s Movie Review
“I was taken aback at just how well this film was done, especially on finding out that this was the first feature Jon had ever done. The film has the polished look of a big budget mainstream flick, and none of the “inconsistencies” that lower budget indie is known for… Jon Cvack has a VERY bright future ahead of him. His attention to detail, from the opening scenes, to the final breathtaking shot, rivals that of Hollywood film veterans.”
-Leah Gage | Read Full Article
Sofa Helden (Germany)
“Road To The Well is a quiet film driven by its two main characters, and in most places it manages to combine thriller parts with easy comedy and drama. Fans of the independent genre are well served here and should keep an eye on a possible release in Germany.”
- Mario von Czapiewski, Read Full Article
The Clubhouse Podcast (Don Ford)
“This is an independent film in look and feel, but that is not a bad thing here. When it came to the acting, I had no complaints, with Parker and Fuller playing their roles well. The supporting cast also does a good job here of helping tell the story of the adventure of Jack and Frank.”
- Don Ford, Read Full Article
The Clubhouse Podcast (Rob Ervin)
“What I really dug about this was the fact that this is an independent film without having that ‘indie’ vibe to it. Cvack does a great job with what he has, accompanied by solid work by his cast.”
- Rob Ervin, Read Full Article
Unseen Films
“Road to the Well surprised the hell out of me. Not only is it a great little modern film noir, but it’s also a film that is so well made and so self assured that I’m having a hard time believing that this is Cvack’s first shot at directing.”
-Steve Kopian, Read Full Article
Cinejour (Indonesia)
“As a low-budget production, Cvack works very well. A solid story and well-acted by the ensemble cast, plus brilliant cinematography and sound mixing. …This is a promising one. One of the best indie films from 2016!”
- Bavner Donaldo, Read Full Article
The Critical Movie Critics
“The erratic, but strong supporting characters, and the film’s lyrical music score all mesh tightly in this taut tale of treachery. This backwoods story of death, defiance and deception is organically riveting and should be considered a terrorizing treasure as it will undoubtedly be hidden in the shadows of the more promoted and frivolous dramas with half the heart and havoc.”
- Frank Ochieng, Read Full Article
Etc-Etcera
“…Cvack’s greatest strength may be his ability to sustain a grindingly taut atmosphere. He’s aided and abetted by Conor Jones’ excellent soundtrack. Both Parker and Fuller do extremely good work, but the most valuable player may be cinematographer Tim Davis, whose lighting and compositions elevate and intensify this character study of a man’s journey into his own darkness.”
- Pamela Villaflores, Read Full Article
Pieuvre (French)
“For fans of ambitious dramas who want to get something new and original to bite, Road to the Well is definitely an ideal candidate.”
- Hugo Prevost | Read Full Article
That Moment In
“Road to the Well is not going to be for everyone, as Cvack is far more interested in establishing and maintaining a grinding sense of tension than lots of physical conflicts. In that regard, the film has a smartness to it that keeps it sharp…gorgeously photographed and well-acted, making this a solid debut.”
- David Duprey | Read Full Article
The Hollywood Outsider
“…a fun ride…This road leads to a trip worth taking.”
– Scott Clark | Read Full Article
SPL!NG (South Africa)
“The first thing you notice about Road to the Well is how solid the acting is from the entire cast… It’s such a relief to see a film like Road to the Well that avoids the stigma of the indie term.”
– Stephen Aspeling| Read Full Article
Cinema Smack
“The offbeat comedy and dark thriller clash keep us curious,while the writing and delivery make it artful and thoroughly entertaining.”
- Jeremie Sabourin | Read Full Article
Ponto-Vista (Portugese)
“…an extremely well crafted film…8/10”
– Alex Vieira | Read Full Article
Ruthless Reviews
“…this film was good, very good. I’m not talking about film graduate student project good, I’m talking about Alfred Hitchcock and Coen Brothers good. …Everyone connected with this film should have a fine career ahead of them…”
- Ruthless Reviews | Read Full Article
2eyes1view
“Jon Cvack the director and writer of ‘Road to the Well’ has done an amazing job at this incredible piece of art house film. This being his debut feature as a director and writer, ‘Road to the Well’ is a superb starting point…a brilliant crime thriller."
- Thomas Brownridge | Read Full Article
Two Guys in the Dark
“I don’t know how many of the 30-some-odd-thousand of you around the world who visit this blog on a monthly basis will follow my recommendation to find your own road to … the Well, but I hope many of you will make that choice as I think you’ll find it well worth your investment.”
- Ken Burke | Read Full Article
The Movie Buff
“The best aspect of this film is certainly the dialogue, which seems natural and real, and never once are we under the impression we are watching a low budget film, or watching actors trying to act.”
- Mark Ziobro | Read Full Review
Upcoming Discs
“…one of the better independent features that has seen its way through the Upcomingdiscs hub.”
– UpcomingDiscs.com, Read Full Review
Wicked Channel
“This film is an art house answer to all the brain dead big budget crap films that Hollywood kicks out at us. If you want a smart and effective film that is one part Hitchcock, and one part Coen Brothers, look no further at this little gem.”
-James DePaolo , Read Full Review
LA Splash Review
“This film is a must-see for anyone with a passion for thrillers and dramas.”
– Elizabeth Regal |Read Full Review
Movies Noir (Sweden)
“…a promising feature-length debut”
- Read Full Article
The Ambies - The Friendship Onion "Best Entertainment Podcast" Nominee 2022
Film Threat
"Props to filmmaker Jon Cvack for going for broke. In Road to the Well, an ostensibly by-the-book murder mystery, the writer/producer/director blends comedy, drama, and even dashes of horror, applying philosophical brush strokes to the proceedings. It’s an unusual, daring little piece that reformats familiar elements eloquently enough to make one overlook its lo-fi trappings and warrant a recommendation."
Variety
True-Crime Content Studio Solve Expands into Podcasting After Raising $20 million from investors
Tech Crunch
Solve, the startup creating an interactive "Law & Order" for social media, raised $20 million
New York Times
Story on Solve Series and Progression of Mobile Content
Extra! (Entertainment Program)
Road to the Well was included in Extra’s “Art House” segment, which highlights the latest independent films available. Watch the full segment here.
LA Times
"...flavorful dialogue, and a sense of scope that's rare for a movie about betrayal and murder."
- Noel Murray | Read Full Article
Variety
Press for "Solve" series
Read Full Article
Monkeys Fighting Robots
"Road to the Well is a curious picture told with real confidence, an artistic eye for detail, and some impressive, painterly composition from cinematographer Tim Davis. The Coen influence is heavy, but there are (visually) elements of Shane Carruth’s uber low-budget thriller Primer here, and ample stylistic references to David Lynch seeping through the screen. It’s worth seeking out, and it’s probably a good idea to keep the the name Jon Cvack in your memory banks."
- Larry Taylor | Read Full Article
Flickering Myth
“There are plenty of filmic comparisons worth making in John Cvack’s Road to the Well. Nods to Shallow Grave, tips of the hat for Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction, as well as sly winks towards Soderbergh’s first feature Sex, Lies and Videotape. Atmospheric homage can be attributed to the former and latter, while that essence of cool so inherently associated with Fiction has much to do with Cvack’s structural precision…. a uniquely bold and original thriller – 5/5!”
- Martin Carr | Read Full Article
Dirty Movies (U.K.)
"This exquisite and delectable blend of Lynchian suspense and net-noir murder is guaranteed to keep you hooked for nearly two hours and brooding over it for hours to come... the result is an immaculate gem waiting to be unearthed - 5/5"
- Victor Fraga | Read Full Article
Fate Link
Interview (30 Days/30 Directors Series)
Reel World Theology
“Road to the Well is an impressive feat for an independent film. From the cinematography to the directing, the editing and especially the acting, you are never drawn out of the story by the production. Actor Micah Parker exudes the patient charisma of Oscar Isaac. He plays Jack with just the right amount of simmering edge. Laurence Fuller wears the surrendered melancholy of Frank like a comfort blanket tattered with holes, ready to snap at any moment. The landscape of the film is often visually stunning, grim when it needs to be and striking when you least expect it.”
- Mark Wingerter | Read Full Article
Salty Popcorn (Australia)
“…this film is quite an accomplishment. It is far from a standard story, it has a feeling of size to it that is rare for debut, small-budget films. The characters are all fantastically written and the actors absorb themselves completely. No two characters are alike, a fact that is taken advantage of, making for some entertaining and memorable dialogue delivered by some very interesting characters.”
- Kernel Jordan | Read Full Article
Sex, Gore, Mutants
"A strong cast flesh out Cvack's well-drawn characters with skill, further lending this a Coen vibe. Rather than resorting to set-piece showcasing or rushing things along towards a chaotic, blood-strewn final act, Cvack's darkly humorous screenplay is - like his peers' best works - very much character-driven, and all the better for being so."
- Stuart Miller | Read Full Article
Borrowing Tape
Interview with Jon Cvack
Woodbanger Entertainment
“…I’ve seen many indies in my time but this one stood out amongst a large portion of them… a superb film”
- Woodbanger Entertainment, Read Full Review
AM-FM Magazine
"With a stand out cast and brilliant cinematography, ROAD TO THE WELL holds the audience in the palm of its hand. The script effortless pulls Frank into deeper and deeper shit, and never falls into the trap that so many low budget features do, stagnancy"
-Bears Fonte | Read Full Article
The Smoking Lamb Podcast
"Gorgeous to look at. Thrilling to watch. Jon Cvack is the next Jeremy Saulnier."
- Joshua Morris | Listen Here
Blake Crane
“The dramatic thriller peppered with dark comedy is reminiscent of the Coens’ earlier works. There’s a measured neo-noir vibe that keeps the tale of murder, mystery, and betrayal compelling throughout.”
- Blake Crane | Read Full Article
Cine Grandiose
“…this movie’s power is in its images and what they have to say: more than pretty frames, a thriller with comic and frequently interesting twists… Road to the Well enjoys its success mainly because of its character writing and photography”
- Caio Bogoni | Read Full Article
Sex, Gore, Mutants
"A strong cast flesh out Cvack's well-drawn characters with skill, further lending this a Coen vibe. Rather than resorting to set-piece showcasing or rushing things along towards a chaotic, blood-strewn final act, Cvack's darkly humorous screenplay is - like his peers' best works - very much character-driven, and all the better for being so."
- Stuart Miller | Read Full Article
The Women’s Desk (WBAI Radio)
“..while conventional noir is primarily dramatically dependent on climactic narrative shock and awe, thwarted millennial pessimism here would appear to emotionally favor a lockdown, been there done that gloomy, fractured despair. Though this twisted ride to nowhere and back, serves up intriguing and impressive detours along the way.”
- Prairie Miller | Read Full Article
"Intense and well-acted...Cvack’s a talent to watch."
- Mark Burger | Read Full Article
Ziprett (Switzerland)
"...the explosion of lies and hidden intentions between old pals is worth seeing."
- Ziprett | Read Full Article
Mauxa (Italy)
Interview with Jon Cvack
- Giovanni Menicocci | Read Full Article
Eye for Film
“Treading a fine line between farce and analytical drama, director Jon Cvack steers the film past many potential pitfalls, producing something that, whilst not always successful, is certainly distinctive. The comedy is pitch black in places and the thriller elements become stronger as the story develops, but it’s at its most interesting as a character study about a man who thinks he’s just like everyone else, the scary thing being that he might be right.”
- Jennie Kermode | Read Full Article
366 Weird Movies
"Road to the Well looks spectacular, and the filmmakers know it; cinematographer Tim Davis is the first name credited after Cvack. Also contributing is the evocative, pizzicato-laced score of composer Conor Jones, who adds layers of foreboding and menace to scenes which don’t really go anywhere on their own. The production quality of the movie far exceeds its sub-six-figure budget, and Cvack and his collaborators deserve a look from big-time producers looking for great moviemaking talent."
- Shane Wilson | Read Full Article
Leah’s Movie Review
“I was taken aback at just how well this film was done, especially on finding out that this was the first feature Jon had ever done. The film has the polished look of a big budget mainstream flick, and none of the “inconsistencies” that lower budget indie is known for… Jon Cvack has a VERY bright future ahead of him. His attention to detail, from the opening scenes, to the final breathtaking shot, rivals that of Hollywood film veterans.”
-Leah Gage | Read Full Article
Sofa Helden (Germany)
“Road To The Well is a quiet film driven by its two main characters, and in most places it manages to combine thriller parts with easy comedy and drama. Fans of the independent genre are well served here and should keep an eye on a possible release in Germany.”
- Mario von Czapiewski, Read Full Article
The Clubhouse Podcast (Don Ford)
“This is an independent film in look and feel, but that is not a bad thing here. When it came to the acting, I had no complaints, with Parker and Fuller playing their roles well. The supporting cast also does a good job here of helping tell the story of the adventure of Jack and Frank.”
- Don Ford, Read Full Article
The Clubhouse Podcast (Rob Ervin)
“What I really dug about this was the fact that this is an independent film without having that ‘indie’ vibe to it. Cvack does a great job with what he has, accompanied by solid work by his cast.”
- Rob Ervin, Read Full Article
Unseen Films
“Road to the Well surprised the hell out of me. Not only is it a great little modern film noir, but it’s also a film that is so well made and so self assured that I’m having a hard time believing that this is Cvack’s first shot at directing.”
-Steve Kopian, Read Full Article
Cinejour (Indonesia)
“As a low-budget production, Cvack works very well. A solid story and well-acted by the ensemble cast, plus brilliant cinematography and sound mixing. …This is a promising one. One of the best indie films from 2016!”
- Bavner Donaldo, Read Full Article
The Critical Movie Critics
“The erratic, but strong supporting characters, and the film’s lyrical music score all mesh tightly in this taut tale of treachery. This backwoods story of death, defiance and deception is organically riveting and should be considered a terrorizing treasure as it will undoubtedly be hidden in the shadows of the more promoted and frivolous dramas with half the heart and havoc.”
- Frank Ochieng, Read Full Article
Etc-Etcera
“…Cvack’s greatest strength may be his ability to sustain a grindingly taut atmosphere. He’s aided and abetted by Conor Jones’ excellent soundtrack. Both Parker and Fuller do extremely good work, but the most valuable player may be cinematographer Tim Davis, whose lighting and compositions elevate and intensify this character study of a man’s journey into his own darkness.”
- Pamela Villaflores, Read Full Article
Pieuvre (French)
“For fans of ambitious dramas who want to get something new and original to bite, Road to the Well is definitely an ideal candidate.”
- Hugo Prevost | Read Full Article
That Moment In
“Road to the Well is not going to be for everyone, as Cvack is far more interested in establishing and maintaining a grinding sense of tension than lots of physical conflicts. In that regard, the film has a smartness to it that keeps it sharp…gorgeously photographed and well-acted, making this a solid debut.”
- David Duprey | Read Full Article
The Hollywood Outsider
“…a fun ride…This road leads to a trip worth taking.”
– Scott Clark | Read Full Article
SPL!NG (South Africa)
“The first thing you notice about Road to the Well is how solid the acting is from the entire cast… It’s such a relief to see a film like Road to the Well that avoids the stigma of the indie term.”
– Stephen Aspeling| Read Full Article
Cinema Smack
“The offbeat comedy and dark thriller clash keep us curious,while the writing and delivery make it artful and thoroughly entertaining.”
- Jeremie Sabourin | Read Full Article
Ponto-Vista (Portugese)
“…an extremely well crafted film…8/10”
– Alex Vieira | Read Full Article
Ruthless Reviews
“…this film was good, very good. I’m not talking about film graduate student project good, I’m talking about Alfred Hitchcock and Coen Brothers good. …Everyone connected with this film should have a fine career ahead of them…”
- Ruthless Reviews | Read Full Article
2eyes1view
“Jon Cvack the director and writer of ‘Road to the Well’ has done an amazing job at this incredible piece of art house film. This being his debut feature as a director and writer, ‘Road to the Well’ is a superb starting point…a brilliant crime thriller."
- Thomas Brownridge | Read Full Article
Two Guys in the Dark
“I don’t know how many of the 30-some-odd-thousand of you around the world who visit this blog on a monthly basis will follow my recommendation to find your own road to … the Well, but I hope many of you will make that choice as I think you’ll find it well worth your investment.”
- Ken Burke | Read Full Article
The Movie Buff
“The best aspect of this film is certainly the dialogue, which seems natural and real, and never once are we under the impression we are watching a low budget film, or watching actors trying to act.”
- Mark Ziobro | Read Full Review
Upcoming Discs
“…one of the better independent features that has seen its way through the Upcomingdiscs hub.”
– UpcomingDiscs.com, Read Full Review
Wicked Channel
“This film is an art house answer to all the brain dead big budget crap films that Hollywood kicks out at us. If you want a smart and effective film that is one part Hitchcock, and one part Coen Brothers, look no further at this little gem.”
-James DePaolo , Read Full Review
LA Splash Review
“This film is a must-see for anyone with a passion for thrillers and dramas.”
– Elizabeth Regal |Read Full Review
Movies Noir (Sweden)
“…a promising feature-length debut”
- Read Full Article