Written & Directed by: Sean Brosnan
Cinematography By: Marc Shap
Editor: Joel Plotch, Quinn George & Jason Eric Perlman
Cast: Joe Anderson, Gary Stretch, John Schneider, Kevin Gage, Candace Smith, Thomas Francis Murphy
Deaf and mute since having his hearing knocked out at the age of 12, Asher has been training for almost two decades to avenge himself on Ivan, the man that killed his older brother, 21 years ago. And now that his nemesis is out of prison, he gets his chance. But Asher's target also happens to be his father.
A revenge tale that is a southern gothic that then becomes almost a horror movie. As the person he believes he has killed just keeps coming back to life to threaten and destroy anything in it's way. Showing how one person's mission of revenge can affect and destroy or harm others that were never intended to be in harm's way.
Visual sense that is vivid and haunting and runs electric throughout the film. If only the particulars of the story were just as riveting.
The film is a kind of Rednecksploitation that has a violent streak that is nasty that at times leans more towards grindhouse but stays away from the extreme grotesque but is still quite mean spirited on it's own. It has a pulp-ish story with original characters who are interesting and the area that they live in is kind of a no man's land underground. That is dirty and barely has any innocence but plenty of well Intentions.
The film does dive into explosive waters at times. It even for it's digressions it tries to put a twist on it. As like a horror scene a couple having sex become victims as being at the wrong place at the wrong time. There is a unnecessary rape scene not here to titilate but more to be another scene of violence and to show just how evil the monster character is.
As this film has no room for humor or a sense of one either. It is just one long dirty road all through. It's not as fun as some previous rednecksploitstion films which usually are either more comedic action DUKES OF HAZZARD, THE BAYTOWN OUTLAWS or just more grindhouse type films like HELL RIDE or the other many low budget and hard to sit through violent films of it's ilk Tries to go beyond the motif of what is expected and tries to relay a kind of soulfulness. Though it gets deep it has the scripture spoken in the narration but the soundtrack doesn't have the power to make the depth felt all around.
The main MONSTER here is played by actor Gary Stretch who is just pure evil with no redeeming particulars and he moves through the film like some kind of horror movie villain that won't or can't die or at least refuses to no matter what the punishment or pain inflicted upon him. He is like an unstoppable phantom. Who refuses to quit. Almost like Jason Voorhies only he can communicate and do much worse things due to wants and needs.
The film tries even to have a kind of love story not romantic or sexual just two characters who have an attraction and enjoy each others company as well as having a past. That is tied together unfortunately in tragedy.
One of the film's bold statements is having the main character be deaf. He is a trained hunter and has the skills needed, but throughout most of the film it's not made as much of a big deal. As he is just as fierce as his prey just not as cold-hearted. Which might be seen as a weakness but is what keeps him human and somewhat decent. Also though the characters aren't always the best.It seems that whoever crosses their path is doomed.
This film is not for the squeamish at times it get's downright nasty and while I can't say it's aces all the way through as it feels like something familiar we have all seen before. At least it tries to make it's own name with it's twists.
The direction of the film is engaging and takes you by surprise. A great debut One just awaits what the director Sean Brosnan can do with a stronger script and bigger budget. As he seems to have the vision part right and tight. As it tries to show it but seems to miss that heart and soul. That Itself seems to seek and never truly find it. So it never paid feels complete.
It is missing That one Song in the soundtrack to be it's release . It's primal scream of sorts
This film feels like it has real casualties even though he victims aren't as many.
It feels like everyone loses as even usually faceless characters. You truly feel SONG for in the middle of mutual wrath.
Grade: C
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