As usual I'm in the middle as far as ratings go. This film isn't the best thriller I've seen but it also isn't the worst either. I love the photography especially the opening segment and on the whole the acting is good as well. What lacked for me was the script and in particular the dialogue.
I'm always being told story twists work much better when after finding them out the audience can go: 'of course! That's why they did so and so! In this story that has not been bothered with much and so the twists while genuinely surprising only serve as cheap shocks. And to be honest there is plenty of room for these snippets of back story to be inserted. The dialogue between the two bad guys centres on one repeatedly reminding the other one to stay alert and threatening him if he doesn't. This time could have been better spent and much more fun alluding to their relationship.
I also thought the style made it look too desperate for suspense. Certain scenes were overblown. The toilet scene in particular was quite ridiculous where we get the full treatment: snarling bad guy, climatic music the lot – why? Because the other bad guy had flushed the toilet three times! Sorry didn't buy it.
But on the whole very professional and watchable. I'm of a certain age when you couldn't say that about most British thrillers. And for a first time director – an excellent effort.
I'm always being told story twists work much better when after finding them out the audience can go: 'of course! That's why they did so and so! In this story that has not been bothered with much and so the twists while genuinely surprising only serve as cheap shocks. And to be honest there is plenty of room for these snippets of back story to be inserted. The dialogue between the two bad guys centres on one repeatedly reminding the other one to stay alert and threatening him if he doesn't. This time could have been better spent and much more fun alluding to their relationship.
I also thought the style made it look too desperate for suspense. Certain scenes were overblown. The toilet scene in particular was quite ridiculous where we get the full treatment: snarling bad guy, climatic music the lot – why? Because the other bad guy had flushed the toilet three times! Sorry didn't buy it.
But on the whole very professional and watchable. I'm of a certain age when you couldn't say that about most British thrillers. And for a first time director – an excellent effort.