Synopsis

Pen Marks, at its core, is an encouraging story of hope. On
the surface, a young man (Billy Cavanaugh) comes into a
coffee shop everyday, drinks a shot of espresso, writes down
a few words in a notebook, and leaves. His everyday actions
are witnessed solely by the audience and a curious barista
(Elizabeth Hill). The underlying drama is that the young boy is
abused at home and finds the only resistance he has is that
which he finds through drinking caffeine, a powerful physical
stimulant, and writing his feelings, a powerful mental
stimulant. Through the careful eye of the barista the audience
discovers the power of the young man's words and his
determination to overcome his situation, though the outcome
may or may not be resolved in the film. Director John
Woosley uses powerful storytelling techniques through the
young man’s written words and stunning music as well as
breathtaking visual imagery to bring the situation to life.
Though neither speaks a word, Billy Cavanaugh and Elizabeth
Hill deliver strong performances that are able to carry the silent
film, and play wonderfully off each other. Abuse is a strong
theme that hits home for many, and the film moralizes that no
matter how bleak your situation may seem, there is always a
form of release, and there is always hope.