Wrongful Death immediately pulls you in with its intense opening and never lets up. What starts as a familiar "trapped in a room" survival scenario soon transforms into a deeper narrative, exploring themes of revenge, guilt, and the destructive power of unresolved anger. While it may initially remind viewers of films like SAW or Escape Room, it distinguishes itself with compelling performances and a storyline that keeps you engaged and constantly guessing. The acting, especially from Isabella Brenza as Sophia McElroy, is a highlight. Brenza pours everything into her role, making her character both vulnerable and resilient. Her powerful portrayal earned her several accolades, including Best Actress awards at the 2023 Oniros Awards, Fall Awards, and Vegas Movie Awards (for this movie to be clear - all these festivals are focused on independant movies). You genuinely feel her desperation, fear, and pain as the story unfolds, and she brings a depth that makes the audience care for her character's fate.
Michael Paré, portraying Dr. David Moore, delivers another solid performance, bringing depth to a character haunted by past choices. His nuanced portrayal keeps the audience hooked, and his scenes with Brenza carry emotional weight. Alexander Man's portrayal of Jake Mills adds an interesting dynamic, especially as his character balances being both an antagonist and, in a sense, a victim of his circumstances. Man, known from his work in Romane Simon: Life of Gia the Movie, gives a compelling performance that complements the tension in the film.
Regarding Eric Roberts as Senator McElroy, well, Roberts is simply Roberts - a veteran actor. You like him or you don´t.
One of the most impressive aspects of Wrongful Death is its ability to shift genres mid-story. What starts as a psychological thriller gradually incorporates supernatural elements, which, surprisingly, work well within the context. The final act introduces some mind-bending twists that leave you reflecting on the plot long after the credits roll. It's a bold narrative choice that pays off, leaving the door open for more in potential sequels. The direction and writing by Vjekoslav Katusin, who also directed and wrote Unbound Evil (2022), shows a clear vision, and while the budget may have been modest, the movie feels well-crafted. There's a certain rawness to the production that adds to its charm. One area where the film falls slightly short is in its pacing. The story could have delved deeper into its world and characters. While the film's core is strong, I found myself wishing for a bit more exploration of the backstories and motivations of the supporting characters. Additionally, for those expecting a gore-fest based on the trailer, this film is more focused on psychological tension rather than excessive violence, which works in its favor but might surprise some viewers. Overall, Wrongful Death is a compelling mix of suspense, drama, a slight toutch of horror (mild) and supernatural intrigue. The film successfully touches on important themes like bullying and revenge, delivering a narrative that feels both entertaining and thought-provoking. If you're a fan of intense psychological thrillers with a twist, this is definitely one to watch. A great indie thriller that holds its own, thanks to strong performances and unexpected twists. Hence a 7,6/10 (don´t like round numbers).
Michael Paré, portraying Dr. David Moore, delivers another solid performance, bringing depth to a character haunted by past choices. His nuanced portrayal keeps the audience hooked, and his scenes with Brenza carry emotional weight. Alexander Man's portrayal of Jake Mills adds an interesting dynamic, especially as his character balances being both an antagonist and, in a sense, a victim of his circumstances. Man, known from his work in Romane Simon: Life of Gia the Movie, gives a compelling performance that complements the tension in the film.
Regarding Eric Roberts as Senator McElroy, well, Roberts is simply Roberts - a veteran actor. You like him or you don´t.
One of the most impressive aspects of Wrongful Death is its ability to shift genres mid-story. What starts as a psychological thriller gradually incorporates supernatural elements, which, surprisingly, work well within the context. The final act introduces some mind-bending twists that leave you reflecting on the plot long after the credits roll. It's a bold narrative choice that pays off, leaving the door open for more in potential sequels. The direction and writing by Vjekoslav Katusin, who also directed and wrote Unbound Evil (2022), shows a clear vision, and while the budget may have been modest, the movie feels well-crafted. There's a certain rawness to the production that adds to its charm. One area where the film falls slightly short is in its pacing. The story could have delved deeper into its world and characters. While the film's core is strong, I found myself wishing for a bit more exploration of the backstories and motivations of the supporting characters. Additionally, for those expecting a gore-fest based on the trailer, this film is more focused on psychological tension rather than excessive violence, which works in its favor but might surprise some viewers. Overall, Wrongful Death is a compelling mix of suspense, drama, a slight toutch of horror (mild) and supernatural intrigue. The film successfully touches on important themes like bullying and revenge, delivering a narrative that feels both entertaining and thought-provoking. If you're a fan of intense psychological thrillers with a twist, this is definitely one to watch. A great indie thriller that holds its own, thanks to strong performances and unexpected twists. Hence a 7,6/10 (don´t like round numbers).