"Alexandros Kouros Stops Time and Holds Your Attention"

What happens when the ticking clock of control and power is suddenly silenced? When Time Stopped, Alexandros Kouros’ debut short film, plunges us into the dimly lit underworld of shady dealings and fractured loyalty, where every pause in conversation carries the weight of a gun cocking off-screen.

At the heart of this tightly wound thriller is Alexis Panagiotou, delivering a performance brimming with restrained menace as a powerful yet tormented figure. When his closest associate, played with equal intensity by Ioannis Petrou, unveils a tragic truth, the film shifts from a mere confrontation to an existential reckoning. Lia Thalassinou adds a subtle yet haunting presence, ensuring that the echoes of betrayal linger.

Visually, Kouros wields the camera like a seasoned storyteller. The cinematography, rich in contrast and shadow-play with catchy vignettes—screams classic noir, while the precise color correction lends an air of polished professionalism rarely seen in debut films. Each frame feels intentional, a carefully placed brushstroke on a dark canvas of crime and consequence.

That’s not to say the film is without its cracks. The sound design, at times, feels roughly chopped, and an occasional flicker in the lighting threatens to break immersion. The dialogue, though strong, leans toward the theatrical, an operatic touch that works for the genre but might feel heightened to some. Yet, these minor imperfections are like scars on a veteran gangster’s face: they add character rather than diminish credibility.

For a debut, When Time Stopped is an audacious first step into the world of filmmaking, showcasing a director with a keen eye and an undeniable knack for atmosphere. If this is just the beginning for Alexandros Kouros, one can only imagine what he’ll do when time is truly on his side.