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Monticello filmmaker’s ‘Savior’ returns to the big screen

Matthew Albeck
Posted 1/14/25

T he Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre (HPAC) hosted a screening of Monticello-native Charles Marinaro’s debut film “Savior” 10 years after it was first released on Friday January …

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Monticello filmmaker’s ‘Savior’ returns to the big screen

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The Hurleyville Performing Arts Centre (HPAC) hosted a screening of Monticello-native Charles Marinaro’s debut film “Savior” 10 years after it was first released on Friday January 10. It marked the premiere of his expanded director’s cut, which included behind-the-scenes footage, and also a blooper reel.

The night was a landmark for Marinaro, who has made five feature films since Savior was released in 2015. The film features scenes captured in and around Sullivan County. 

Marinaro wanted to make the night special by hosting a networking event where actors could meet filmmakers and discuss upcoming projects, as well as take photos on the red carpet. The film maker was incredibly grateful that actors and filmmakers travelled to attend the event.

“The creative people out there want to make stuff but they are stuck in [regional hubs] but when we come together we are stronger,” he said. The smell of popcorn filled the room as artists mingled in HPAC’s spacious lobby and talked about all things film as they awaited to enter the theatre for the night’s screening.

After the theatre was filled, Marinaro took to the stage and welcomed everyone to the celebration. He recalled the beginning of his journey into filmmaking as a young ambitious man with a script who attended a networking event. The origin story was germane because Friday night’s screening was also an opportunity for actors interested in working on Marinaro’s upcoming film, “Where the High Ends.”

 

Screening Savior

“Savior” (2025-director’s cut) tells the story of Clyde Davis, a criminal (played by Greg Genute) with nowhere to stay except at mom’s house. His mother, played by Liz Chuday, has had a troubled past and sees her son going down the wrong path. Clyde’s aimless life is kinetically linked to his best friend and business partner Warren (Livingston Steele), and his girlfriend Vanessa (Janel Tanna), who Clyde has known since childhood. 

Warren convinces Clyde that they should try to sell stolen jewelry to a crime boss on the other side of town. The crime boss rejects their offer and sends them packing. Enter criminal and aspiring psychopath Arthur, an eccentrically dressed megalomaniac who is determined to graduate from small-time thug to the big leagues of crime by ruthlessly taking out the competition. 

Clyde is drawn to Arthur’s charisma and sees him as a father figure but is also confused by his senseless acts. Ultimately Clyde will give up his inhibitions and join the elite of evil men who prey on the helpless dregs of society for self profit. Clyde’s story is a slow boiling descent into chaos and “Savior” explores many tangible themes including addiction, power, loyalty, and redemption. After Clyde betrays everyone in his life, who can be his saviour? 

The theatre was buzzing as the credits rolled and the evening ended with an informative question and answer session with Marinaro and three actors from the film. 

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