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Claustrophobic Thriller With a Twist

MOVIE REVIEW
Smile as You Kill

    

Genre: Dark Comedy, Crime, Thriller
Year Released: 2023, 2025 streaming
Runtime: 1h 27m
Director(s): Michael Sarrow
Writer(s): Michael Sarrow
Cast: Rey Goyos, Michael Teh, Jennifer Prediger, Joey Dean, Lorin Partalis
Where To Watch: available January 3, 2025, on Amazon Prime Video, AppleTV, Google Play, Fandango at Home, and Xbox Movies. Also available on DVD


RAVING REVIEW: From the first scene, SMILE AS YOU KILL defies the norms of indie thrillers, injecting a darkly humorous twist into its core. This clever concoction of comedy and tension grabs the audience right from the opening—a desperate man, gun in hand, pleading into the camera for life-saving funds. This stark and powerful image hooks viewers and sets the stage for a gritty exploration of ethical boundaries pushed to their limits. (I promise, some moments will make you laugh and then feel guilty about it.)


As the story unfolds, we delve into the lives of Rico Allende (Rey Goyos) and Terry Tanner (Michael Teh,) two men thrown together by circumstance and survival. Rico, battling a terminal illness, “compels” Terry, an advertising whiz, to craft a viral fundraising campaign, blurring the lines between victim and villain. Their dynamic is fraught with tension yet laced with irony, providing a rich story that the film mines with precision.

Director Michael Sarrow turns the confined spaces of Terry’s apartment into an intense battlefield of wits and wills, where camera angles and lighting intensify the claustrophobic atmosphere. Despite its modest budget, the film punches above its weight class, showcasing Sarrow's ability to create visually compelling scenes that complement the film's taut screenplay.

Humor plays a pivotal role in balancing the film’s heavier themes. Rico and Terry's sharp banter and biting exchanges inject levity into their dire situation, making their moral dilemmas more palatable and the story more engaging for the audience. This clever interplay ensures the film captivates without overwhelming, maintaining a perfect equilibrium between entertainment and provocation.

The subplot involving Christine (Jennifer Prediger,) the “nosy neighbor,” adds complexity and suspense. Her unintended interference in Rico and Terry's scheme heightens the stakes, incorporating additional intrigue and uncertainty into the storyline. This thread enhances the plot without detracting from the central focus on the two protagonists.

Tackling themes like healthcare and financial desperation, SMILE AS YOU KILL does not shy away from spotlighting societal issues. These themes serve as more than a mere backdrop; they are integral to understanding Rico’s drastic measures and the film’s commentary on the lengths one might go when cornered by circumstance. (with the recent activities of now cult icon Luigi Mangione, these themes are more in focus than ever before.)

The cast delivers authentic and emotionally charged performances, particularly in Rico and Terry's back-and-forth. Their chemistry anchors the film’s dynamic, drawing viewers deeper into the complexity of their relationship and the dilemmas they face.

The screenplay is another high point, with dialogue that rings true to the characters' struggles and personalities. The script adds realism to the story and ensures the film remains accessible and relatable to a broad audience, avoiding becoming overly theatrical.

SMILE AS YOU KILL is a prime example of indie filmmaking done right. It blends dark comedy with suspense to create a unique thriller that entertains and challenges its audience to think critically about pressing social issues. Sarrow’s direction and the strong performances by the cast make this film a memorable cinematic experience, demonstrating the power of indie cinema to tackle complex themes with creativity and insight.

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[photo courtesy of X4 PICTURES]

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Chris Jones
Entertainment Editor

Chris Jones is the Mail Entertainment Editor covering Movies and Television topics. He is from Washington, Illinois, and is the owner, writer, and editor of Overly Honest Reviews.