To some degree, this is simply a coping mechanism for James a way to distract from the disappearance of his wife and, at times, a way to explain it. As the story progresses, our need for concern is confirmed: the line between the validity of the mystery and unhealthy obsession begins to blur. The further James delves into the mystery, the more he spirals, neglecting his work and mental health. James’ curiosity is valid… which is where the trouble begins. The mystery is made more compelling when we learn that the case was once investigated by the FCC and FBi, but amounted to nothing. Conspiracy is obsessive for good reason - the thought of deciphering the audio, figuring out the motivation for the video and decoding its message is enough to get you along for the ride. The imagery of the intrusion is unsettling and the question of its origin endlessly enticing. As he begins digging into the story, James is enveloped by his intrigue and it's hard not to share his determination for answers. Deeper investigation soon reveals this to be an infamous incident, an intrusion where someone managed to hijack the broadcast to project their own recording. It comes with no explanation, as the broadcast simply glitches and resumes - but James is already locked onto the video. With its distorted audio and ominous visuals, the clip is as mesmerizing as it is unsettling. One of the broadcasts he is mid-logging is interrupted by a strange figure in a creepy, plastic mask. In the confines of this dimly lit room, stacked to the brim with DVDs and fit with flickering lights, James gets his first glimpse at the mystery. Here, his only interaction is with an offscreen boss that communicates via post-it notes. This hobby fits well with his job as a video archivist, where he works the graveyard shift logging old TV broadcasts. Outside of those meetings, he has an online presence, indulging his AV tech interest by fixing up old cameras and recording equipment. Struggling to cope, one of his few interactions with others is a weekly support group where he has difficulty connecting with other attendees. The film takes place in 1999 Chicago, three years after James' wife has gone missing. The eerie vibe prepares the audience for suspicion, making it even easier to slip down the rabbit hole with main character James (Harry Shum Jr.) as he begins unraveling a fascinating conspiracy theory. This film’s atmosphere is immediate, from the carefully composed score to the shadowy cinematography. Broadcast Signal Intrusion is an exciting noir inspired mystery that doubles as a character study of a grieving husband, unable to move forward from his wife’s disappearance.
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