The Victim (2011)
Written by: Reed lackey and Michael Biehn.
Produced by: Jennifer Blanc, Lucien Flynn, Lorna Paul, Travis Romero.
Directed by: Michael Biehn.
Music by: Jeehun Hwang.
Studio: Anchor Bay.
Starring:
Michael Biehn,
Jennifer Blanc,
Ryan Honey,
Danielle Harris,
Denny Kirkwood.
Plot Synopsis:
“Good time girls Annie (Jennifer Blanc) and Mary (Danielle Harris) find themselves in a life and death situation. Annie’s life is put in jeopardy when she is witness to a violent act at the hands of two Sheriff’s Deputies. Fleeing from attackers (Ryan Honey, Denny Kirkwood) she stumbles across Kyle (Michael Biehn), a recluse living in the middle of the woods. The ruggedly handsome loner stays far from civilization — that is — until a single knock on his door throws his solitary life into chaos.
Two worlds collide in this psychological thriller that will make you question your trust in mankind. WHO IS THE VICTIM?”
Review:
Hollywood legend Michael Biehn takes up directing with the ease of years of experience in the industry, merging indie with grindhouse in a movie fans will love.
The dark tones and eerily pitched visuals bring a sense of space whilst remaining claustrophobic and taught, allowing the audience to be fully immersed in the story of two party girls; Annie (Jennifer Blanc) and Mary (Danielle Harris)… and no they aren’t nuns… whose decision for a day out is the setting for murder and mayhem in a backwoods beauty spot.
Accompanying the two women on the jaunt are two seedy local cops, played scarily well by Ryan Honey and Denny Kirkwood. The morals of all the characters involved aren’t exactly pristine white (something which is very much not a secret) and so you will indeed find yourself asking the question “who is the Victim?”.
The writing is deft and promising, showing a definite talent. The twistingly tense dialogue bounces back and forth easily whilst maintaining a rawly visceral atmosphere.
The casting is perfectly pitched, the acting plays wonderfully against the wild backdrop of Topanga Canyon and the aggressive story, creating an intensity born of natural performances.
The leads manage performances which are taught and emotive, imbuing the viewer with a sense of discomfort and unease which sets the tone nicely for a good ‘ole gory romp through the forest with a hot crowbar.
The direction for this movie is well done; the movie manages to capture all the violence of a grindhouse movie whilst making the theme unique and interesting, holding the viewer at the edge of their seat with the sheer force of control shown by Michael Biehn as he pulls of the Grindhouse movie of the year.
Summary:
Totally worth watching and definitely worth collecting! This movie has it all: Sleaze, Sex, Gore, Murder and Michael Biehn killing people!
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