More thoughts later, but while this is admirable and a beautiful example of the power of independent cinema, I found it hard to overlook some elements—like the poor planning on KO’s part and almost every decision she makes.
Also a non-ending seems like the right choice here but also left a sour taste in my (and my girlfriend’s) mouth. The performances range from stellar to meh and the grunginess of the trafficking operation was deeply uncomfortable and felt very real.
I kept thinking (rather annoyingly, because I don’t like to make these types of comments) that this felt like Jeremy Saulnier-lite, like “we have Saulnier at home”.
Like someone saw Blue Ruin or Green Room and thought they needed to try their hand at a violent revenge thriller. And it somewhat works.
I’ll dive into my main critiques later on when I have time but a major one is the fact that we establish KO as a boxer and her training for this “mission” before she embarks, but she never really has/gets to use those skills to get out of a jam or to prove herself. It seemed like screenwriting 101 that there should be a scene featuring hand to hand combat, so she can overcome some clearly overwhelming obstacle—like a big ol’ henchman or a scrappy drug-addled human trafficker.
But I will give credit, the razor in the mouth thing was pretty sick. Great use of a Chekhov's razor that you’re like “why is she doing th—OOHHHH”
Anyway, this was gritty and messy and overall gave me hope that independent cinema is still out there.
6.2/10
More thoughts later, but while this is admirable and a beautiful example of the power of independent cinema, I found it hard to overlook some elements—like the poor planning on KO’s part and almost every decision she makes.
Also a non-ending seems like the right choice here but also left a sour taste in my (and my girlfriend’s) mouth. The performances range from stellar to meh and the grunginess of the trafficking operation was deeply uncomfortable and felt very real.
I kept thinking (rather annoyingly, because I don’t like to make these types of comments) that this felt like Jeremy Saulnier-lite, like “we have Saulnier at home”.
Like someone saw Blue Ruin or Green Room and thought they needed to try their hand at a violent revenge thriller. And it somewhat works.
I’ll dive into my main critiques later on when I have time but a major one is the fact that we establish KO as a boxer and her training for this “mission” before she embarks, but she never really has/gets to use those skills to get out of a jam or to prove herself. It seemed like screenwriting 101 that there should be a scene featuring hand to hand combat, so she can overcome some clearly overwhelming obstacle—like a big ol’ henchman or a scrappy drug-addled human trafficker.
But I will give credit, the razor in the mouth thing was pretty sick. Great use of a Chekhov's razor that you’re like “why is she doing th—OOHHHH”
Anyway, this was gritty and messy and overall gave me hope that independent cinema is still out there.
6.2/10
