Dark Secrets Unravel in Slow-Burn Crime Drama
Read Time:4 Minute, 23 Second
MOVIE REVIEW
Blind Escape
Genre: Crime, Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 25m
Director(s): Chris Kinzie
Writer(s): Chris Kinzie
Cast: Evan Jackson Moore, Jazmin Diebler, Preston Ware, Candy Afflerbach, John Henry Newton, Chris Kinzie, Genesis Cortines, Devyn Whittington
Where To Watch: streaming November 23, 2024
RAVING REVIEW: BLIND ESCAPE dives deep into the heart of human frailties, delivering a stark portrayal of crime, deception, and the quest for survival. This indie experience spins a complex yarn in which Fred (Evan Jackson Moore), a down-on-his-luck salesman, is catapulted into chaos after a mistaken phone call promises him a fortune that turns out to be a mirage. The narrative thrusts him into a dramatic showdown with a neighbor and his girlfriend, setting the stage for a plot thick with betrayal and moral dilemmas.
Fred's ordeal begins with a lifeline thrown by Sug (Candy Afflerbach,) an older woman with dementia who believes him to be her nephew. The promise of inheritance draws him into a web of lies. Still, upon arrival at Sug's home, Fred finds no riches—only the harsh reality of Joe (Preston Ware,) a neighbor with sinister intentions. As Fred gets entangled with Joe's girlfriend, Maggie (Jazmin Diebler,) who suffers under Joe's abusive control, his life takes a dangerous turn. Their growing bond and shared desperation lead to plans that spiral out of control, culminating in betrayal and a confrontation with harsh consequences.
The characters in BLIND ESCAPE are precisely formed, from Fred’s desperate hope to Maggie's manipulative survival instincts and Joe's brute dominance. Each character enriches the narrative, making their motives a critical undercurrent to the escalating tension. Set against a backdrop of industrial decay—a no man's land where the sun scorches the earth and secrets simmer under the surface—this setting becomes a character in its own right, enhancing the film's gritty aesthetic.
Chris Kinzie, the writer/director (and more) behind BLIND ESCAPE, infuses the film with a raw, unfiltered quality that captures the essence of indie filmmaking. Drawing from personal experiences and a profound examination of deception’s psychological impacts, Kinzie crafts a narrative that resonates with authenticity and depth. His choice to shoot in black and white 16mm film pays homage to cinema’s past, adding a layer of timeless gravitas to the visual storytelling. BLIND ESCAPE's slow-burn narrative builds suspense, with each frame crafted to keep the audience pondering the fate of its flawed characters.
This is a low-budget indie film, and its growing pains are shown throughout it, but that’s not the point of films like this. They are an opportunity to tell a story, build characters, and explore the seas of what filmmaking means at its core. You can’t go into this expecting a big-budget blockbuster or a seasoned auteur masterpiece. This is Kinzie’s feature film debut, and it will leave a mark on those who go into it with the correct expectations.
Scheduled for a local release before its streaming debut, BLIND ESCAPE is poised to make a mark on the indie scene. It showcases a blend of emerging talent and bold narrative choices. Its thematic exploration of identity, redemption, and the human capacity for compassion and cruelty offers a compelling look at the darker sides of human nature.
Kinzie’s directorial debut is a testament to the power of independent cinema to challenge, provoke, and engage. It invites viewers to reflect on their moral compass as they navigate the complex landscape of the characters’ choices. The film’s poignant and unsettling conclusion reminds us of our lives unpredictable paths.
BLIND ESCAPE is a deep dive into the resilience of the human spirit. It stands out as a bold exploration of the lengths people will go to rewrite their destinies, making it a noteworthy addition to the independent film landscape. Kinzie’s commitment to authenticity and emotional depth marks BLIND ESCAPE as a significant cinematic endeavor that encourages viewers to explore beyond the surface and engage with the intricacies of its narrative.
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[photo courtesy of BLIND ESCAPE]
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Thank you for your compelling and honest review. Your thoughtful comments help define the essence of Blind Escape!
You’re so very welcome!!!