Partial birth abortion, also known by the nicer-sounding “Dilation and Extraction” is one of the most disgusting, nauseating so-called medical procedures in the world. While it may sound inocuous, the details of the procedure are enough to turn the stomach. It is the closest thing to legalized murder I could imagine. A Distant Thunder, a half-hour long supernatural thriller, is an attempt to draw attention to this procedure, which is generating increasing controversy as more states and nations consider legalizing it.
The short but intense movie goes something like this: “Struggling to keep her fragile sanity from unraveling, Prosecutor Ann Brown is offered a murder case that will challenge everything she believes is true. Uncertain at first whether to accept the assignment, a harrowing encounter with Defense Attorney Tom Condan convinces her to meet the challenge. The deeper she investigates, reality and tormenting delusions collide as she encounters an evil force as unnerving as it is foreboding. Terrifying secrets are exposed, and you’ll discover the shocking twist which reveals the chilling and unforeseeable truth.”
Overall, the presentation is quite good. The acting is sound and the story moves along well (though I had guessed the shocking twist before it was revealed–something, as my wife can attest, that is rare for me!). The supernatural elements, along with a shower scene (where no nudity is seen due to strategic camera work) render this a movie that requires parental guidance. The DVD includes an edited version which, though I did not view it, presumably removes these scenes. It extras also include a conversation with the filmmakers, commentary with several of the cast members, commentary with the writer/director, and a trailer.
This DVD is a clever and possibly-impactful way of introducing the brutal injustice of partial birth abortion to people who may not care to read about it or who may never otherwise be presented with the facts. It is available from Vision Video.
