Blurring Reality With Cinematic Terror

Read Time:3 Minute, 22 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Squealer
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Genre: Action, Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 40m
Director(s): Andy Armstrong
Writer(s): Danielle Burgio, Andy Armstrong
Cast: Wes Chatham, Kate Moennig, Danielle Burgio, Theo Rossi, Tyrese Gibson
Where To Watch: In Theaters, On Digital, and On Demand on November 3, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: Be aware of the serene facade of SQUEALER's setting; more lies beneath the surface. What unfolds is a tale that explores the darkest corners of the human psyche. Welcome to a cinematic experience that's as chilling from start to finish. SQUEALER paints a tale of a once-tranquil town now entangled in a web of terror and mystery. A cop and a perceptive social worker find themselves at the heart of a tangled plot, leading them to the unlikeliest place in a remote pig farm. They uncover a revelation that fractures the town's idyllic veneer, serving up a sinister story where the butcher's knife cuts more profoundly than one could ever imagine.

Drawing its grim inspiration from the real-life atrocities of Robert Pickton, SQUEALER treads the delicate line between fact and fiction like a knife carving up its prey. The terror it evokes is not born from fantastical monsters but from the monstrous capabilities of humanity itself. Yet, in its quest to maintain an unyielding grip of suspense, the film stumbles, its pace faltering when it should be relentlessly forging ahead.

Despite these narrative hiccups, the cast, which includes stalwarts like Tyrese Gibson and Theo Rossi, brings a deeper authenticity to their roles. While the script's inconsistencies grow more relevant throughout the film, the duo still delivers consistent performances, lifting those around them.

Amidst its darker moments, SQUEALER's action sequences offer up some thrilling moments. Credit goes to Director Andy Armstrong, who has a history of action work in the bag and ensures these scenes are delivered with a finesse that shines. Armstrong, alongside his brother Vic and their company, Armstrong Action, infuses the film with a vitality that punctuates the darkness with electrifying jolts of adrenaline.

Yet one can't help but feel that SQUEALER could have soared even higher. A cleaner script and a more focused direction allowed the film a more straightforward path. A deeper dive into the minds and motives of its characters would have added layers of complexity to an already intriguing narrative. Moreover, a more consistent tempo of suspense would have transformed this from a mere walk in the shadows to a full-on, edge-of-your-seat expedition through terror.

SQUEALER still serves as a harrowing reminder of the horrors that can lurk beneath the surface of everyday life. Despite its occasional missteps, it's a film that doesn't shy away from staring into the abyss of the human condition. While it may not hit every mark, it leaves an indelible impression, echoing long after the screen fades to black—a stark testament to the chilling potential within the human soul.

@Lionsgate #Squealer

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[photo courtesy of LIONSGATE]

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As an advocate for creators, actors, and writers, I firmly stand with SAG-AFTRA in their current strike. The entertainment industry is built on these individuals' extraordinary talents, and their contributions must be appropriately recognized and rewarded. They deserve fair compensation, sensible work hours, and respect for their creative rights. I believe in the power of unity and collective action, and I'm steadfast in my support for their fight for better working conditions and fair remuneration. Together, we can shape a more equitable future in the entertainment world.

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