Romina (Lora Burke) is wrapping up her Halloween day shift at the hospital where she works as a nurse. She grabs some of her son's favourite candy before she heads out anxious to get out of her see and spend time with her son. When she arrives home she finds chaos. A violent interrogation has occurred with the inquisitor Chris (Nick Smyth) needing Romina's help to keep the subject Alan (Colin Paradine) conscious to continue. Chris has come to Romina because she helped a family member recover from a unspeakable act. Alan is the supposed perpetrator. Chris wants his pound of flesh and does not want Alan passing out or dying before he can extract it.
When you see the film's title and know anything about either of the writing/ directing team of Gabriel Carrer and Reese Evenshen's past work the viewer has an idea of what's in store. But here the pair have outdone themselves with the volume, intensity, and use of old school blunt and practical items employed to perpetrate violence. The majority of the action takes place in one room of a small home. The combatants go at it to the max take brief breaks to adjust to their wounds then are ready to go again.
Romina agrees to let this play out as she is sympathetic to Chris's plight but not all too sure that Alan is the correct target. She steps in playing ref when Chris's methods become too extreme. Alan holds his ground, Chris becomes more distraught and retreats. Given an opening, Alan makes a call that he expects will be the cavalry but the opposite occurs forcing Chris, Romina, and Alan to combine their efforts if they want to survive the evening.
Lora Burke succeeds in presenting a layered nuanced performance despite all hell breaking out in her home. She has poignant moments with both Alan and Chris even after the lead trio have gone back and forth though the pain gauntlet. Nick Smyth takes his role as Chris over the top and spins it around some more. His eyes are large, he drools, he screams, as he's saddled with uncontrollable guild over an unspeakable act that it was his job to prevent. he turtles, he yields as he still battles the effects of an unspeakable act that occurred over a half decade ago. Colin Paradine is constant as Alan. He maintains his position (both literally and figuratively) throughout the piece remaining even keeled as he is being tortured, his escape plan blows up and he is forced to rely on single mother who is one of his tenant for his survival.
For the Sake of Vicious is bloodbath, where the cast and crew did whatever it took. The physical work by the lead actors and the supporting stunt team in close quartets is commendable. The premise is simple but the plight of the players shifts constantly. If you're looking for a thrill ride where the practical tools for violence are creatively used and not merely props for show then this production score is ready when you are to fill that void.
***1/2 Out of 4.
For The Sake of Vicious | Gabriel Carrer/ Reese Evenshen | Canada | 2020 | 80 Minutes.
Tags: Halloween, Home Invasion | Hostage, Interrogation, Bikers, Kill Squad, Hammer, Toilet Tank Lid, Crow Bar.
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