Miles Doleac (Sleepy Hollow, Jake's Road, American Horror Story) is a very, very admirable man. It's rare that someone follows their passions so furiously and does so with so many things on their plate. Finishing projects is one thing, but finishing projects with quality is an entirely different ball game. The Historian proves this phenomena to be true.
An introspective look into higher education and the academia life, The Historian provides the audience with angles only someone deep within the educational institutes could supply. Miles Doleac being a college professor, this becomes a very personal examination of higher ed.
William Sadler and John Cullum anchor the film with powerhouse performances. The acting for the most part is flawless and the characters keep you entertained throughout the film's duration with their vulnerability and believable flaws. The Historian before being a drama, is a story of being human. Mistakes are made, situations complicate, but the human nature to always try and persevere is ever present.
Miles Doleac triumphs as a first time director, screenwriter and also impresses with his acting. The screenplay is close to Doleac's heart and shines with obvious personal experience. The dualism between the two main characters, Ben Rhodes (Miles Doleac) and Valerian Hadley (William Sadler), is smooth and transitions with ease, never becoming boring whilst being perhaps the most important aspect of the film.
The ending of the film is satisfying and uplifting. Overall, Miles Doleac has stunned with his debut film and I feel he will continue to beat expectations throughout the rest of his career.
I give The Historian a:
4.5/5
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