The story of estranged brothers on a weekend getaway, The Red Rooster showed great promise in the opening minutes. Terrance is a promising writer in need of a getaway to finish his book. Convinced by his sister-in-law that a little time at a nearby beach resort is the right answer, Terrance heads on a trip with his brother David but a few minutes after pulling away from the house, the car stops at a nearby corner to pick up a third party member, David’s ex wife Allie. She’s not happy that Terrace is along for the weekend, David is unhappy that his brother has decided to pick this particular trip to bond while Terrance is amused by the situation.

The trio spend an uncomfortable few days together before events cause David to leave in a fit of rage. Rather than go home as well, Terrance and Allie fall into an unexpected routine reminiscent of an old married couple until Terrance, a womanizer of the grandest source, meets a young woman at a local coffee spot.

It sounds like there’s a whole lot going on in writer/director Terry Miles’ film and it’s a story that shows potential but the film itself lacks anything to make it memorable. Beautifully shot, Miles shows potential for something great but the film’s quiet moments are unnerving. The characters say little and the relationships are not compelling enough to survive the unspoken messages that are intended and though everything is hinted at, there’s never a feeling that the characters are truly suffering. There is a moment on the beach when Terrance and Allie confront each other that has some emotional weight and suggests the film may be about to take a turn for the better but the moment is fleeting and is gone shortly after it begins.

The Red Rooster is a forgettable film and though it suggests that Terry Miles is a talented director that will one day impress. I’m hopeful I have the opportunity to be there when the stars align.