The Dangerous Dance of Deception and Duty

Read Time:3 Minute, 18 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
All Souls
–

Genre: Crime, Thriller
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 21m
Director(s): Emmanuelle Pickett
Writer(s): Anthony Ragnon II
Cast: Mikey Madison, Gerald “G-Eazy” Gillum, Samuel Roukin, Zach Villa
Where To Watch: In Select Theaters, On Demand and Digital December 8, 2023

RAVING REVIEW: The War on Drugs is one of the biggest failures in the American political system, and ALL SOULS takes this narrative and throws us into the deep end of it all. Director Emmanuelle Pickett steers this hard-hitting drama in her first feature outing. The screenplay by Anthony Ragnone II tackles some complex subject matter in an approachable way within this fictional crime thriller. At the same time, Mikey Madison and G-Eazy deliver performances that immerse you in a world where moral ambiguities are the norm. Their performances ground their characters in the world they’re inhabiting.

ALL SOULS is more than the traditional entry into the thriller genre, pulsating with the lifeblood of real-world issues. Mikey Madison's portrayal of River, a young woman entangled in a complex web of crime and law enforcement, paints a vivid portrait of the human element in the drug war. If you saw Madison’s performance in the SCREAM franchise, this role will give you an entirely different experience in the best way possible. In a surprising and layered performance as Silas, G-Eazy demonstrates a depth of talent that extends well beyond his musical roots.

The core strength lies in exploring the War on Drugs' impact, primarily through the lens of River's family life. This subplot adds a poignant touch, creating an emotional resonance with anyone who's faced challenging life choices. Pickett's direction skillfully blends stylistic flourishes with a raw, candid look into the characters' lives, pulling the audience into the heart of the action. I was impressed with how real this film felt; sure, there were some dramatized moments, but it felt very grounded as a whole.

Reflecting on G-Eazy's journey, particularly his personal losses and musical resurgence, adds a layer of authenticity to his portrayal in ALL SOULS. His musical endeavors mirror the thematic elements of his character's journey in the film.

Unfortunately, the film only partially seizes some of the opportunities it lays out. Exploring this emotional landscape leaves us yearning to dive deeper into Silas's backstory and motivations. A richer narrative around his transition into the drug world would have added complexity to the film. Further exploration of River's interactions with law enforcement could have provided a more nuanced understanding of her character's conflicts. Seeing more of the real-world negatives of law enforcement's role in this also made the film serve as more of a warning and somewhat of an educational piece.

ALL SOULS, at its core, is a narrative that mixes entertainment with contemplation. It's a film that delves into the intricacies of the drug war and the lives it intersects. Although there's room for more profound character development, the film has some potent performances and incisive social commentary.

ALL SOULS offers an exhilarating mix of drama and insight into a world often shrouded in secrecy. It's a journey that grabs your attention from the get-go and maintains its hold, offering a perspective beyond mere thrills. Ultimately, ALL SOULS is a notable achievement for Pickett and Ragnone II and the cast and crew, delivering a thought-provoking and captivating experience.

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[photo courtesy of LIONSGATE]