Survival Turns Dark in Recovery

Read Time:3 Minute, 43 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
The Group
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Genre: Crime, Horror, Thriller
Year Released: 2022, 2024 streaming in the UK
Runtime: 1h 14m
Director(s): William Higo
Writer(s): William Higo
Cast: Dylan Baldwin, Evangelina Burton, Jennifer Aries, Nobuse Jnr Uwaifo, Mike Kelson, Luke Dayhill, Alicia Novak
Where To Watch: makes its UK debut on September 2, 2024, courtesy of Reel 2 Reel Films

RAVING REVIEW: Will Higo’s THE GROUP navigates the challenging terrain of human imperfections and the pursuit of redemption. Set within the confined space of a community center, this film aims to transcend the typical recovery narrative, offering a psychological drama that carries a significant level of intensity and depth from the very first frame to the last.

At the core of THE GROUP is Kara, skillfully by Evangelina Burton, who returns to her support circle after a prolonged absence. The group, under the stern guidance of Ellen (Alicia Novak), consists of a diverse collection of individuals, each dealing with their struggles. The dynamics among the group members—Seth (Luke Dayhill,) who may or may not be reformed; Henry (Tom Coulston,) the detached skeptic; Charley (Jennifer Aries,) the seemingly committed but ultimately superficial participant; and Dave (Mike Kelson,) the combative cop—create a volatile mix that adds tension to each scene as the story progresses.

The narrative takes a dramatic turn with the arrival of Jack, played by Dylan Baldwin. His violent introduction shifts the film’s focus from healing to raw survival, forcing each character to confront their buried secrets. Jack’s role as an unforgiving judge of the group members’ past actions brings a stark and relentless intensity to the film, compelling each character to face their inner demons in an unforgiving light.

Despite its relatively short runtime of just over an hour, the film dedicates ample time to character development, with Baldwin’s portrayal of Jack being particularly noteworthy. His character’s calm yet unpredictable nature adds an element of suspense that keeps the audience engaged, steering the group toward an inevitable psychological breaking point.

Visually, the film’s setting plays a significant role in underscoring its themes. The simple community center is transformed into a battleground where emotional and psychological confrontations unfold, effectively captured through Andrew Litt’s cinematography. By opting for prolonged, steady shots, the film creates a sense of claustrophobia that enhances the intensity of the performances and the confrontations that drive the narrative forward.

THE GROUP has its shortcomings. The latter half of the film struggles under the weight of its confined setting. What initially contributes to the film’s intense, claustrophobic atmosphere hinders the narrative's progression as the story progresses. Some scenes feel repetitive, circling back on themselves without contributing much to the development of the characters or the advancement of the plot.

Nevertheless, the film does a commendable job of exploring themes of guilt, forgiveness, and the potential for redemption. Burton’s portrayal of Kara is particularly compelling, capturing the film’s central themes with a delicate balance of vulnerability and strength. The supporting cast also delivers a wide range of performances, adding depth to their flawed yet relatable characters.

As the film approaches its climax, the tension escalates, uncovering long-buried secrets that challenge the characters and the audience to reflect on the concepts of responsibility and change.

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[photo courtesy of REEL 2 REEL FILMS]

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