There are some movies that after deciding to watch them, you just don’t take them too seriously; just go along for the ride so you don’t end up frustrated and this movie is one of those movies.
It is a high stakes thriller set almost entirely within the walls of a studio that runs late night radio programs and one of the renowned hosts' personalities is yunno, sorta tested.
Synopsis
The story follows Elvis (Mel Gibson), a radio host known for his sharp tongue and no-holds-barred attitude. One evening, during his live show, he receives a call from an anonymous listener claiming to have taken his family hostage.
The caller, who later reveals himself to be Gary, then forces Elvis to participate in a twisted game of confessions and consequences, threatening to kill his wife and daughter if he fails to comply. Elvis is made to reveal personal secrets on air and follow dangerous instructions, all while being watched and recorded.
Review and Personal Criticism
The premise of this film is undeniably gripping. One man, a ticking clock, on the other hand, an unseen enemy pulling the strings. For much of the film, the tension is well-managed. The confined setting of the radio station with explosives tied to every corner helps heighten the suspense. It gives this sense of claustrophobia and urgency.
Mel Gibson delivers a committed performance, balancing arrogance, fear and emotional vulnerability as the stakes go up. But I honestly was on the caller’s side until I realized it was all some stupid prank. I honestly wanted Mel completely destroyed because his sharp tongued character pissed me off. His character can be likened to some bosses around the globe who are sharp tongued and arrogant but tag their insults a joke, forgetting that demeaning jokes actually do mess with people’s mental health.
Anyway, the plot leans heavily on twists, one of which is so jarring it risks undermining everything that came before. I felt cheated, while also appreciating the risk the filmmakers took in pulling something that unexpected. I guess I was just stuck in the middle.
That said, apart from the dialogue occasionally veering into the melodramatic and the supporting characters not getting enough development to feel like more than props in Elvis’s journey, the film does maintain enough pace and tension to keep you watching.
This one thrives well on atmosphere and mystery but stumbles in its execution. You know that upsetting feeling that comes after reading an intense story only to realize it was all the character’s dream? Yup! That’s exactly how this one made me feel. Sick to the effing stomach!
As earlier stated, it’s the kind of film you watch just for the ride not necessarily for how it ends. So, if you’re a fan of single-location thrillers or psychological mind games, it’s worth checking out.
Rating? 3/5
PS: Directed by Romuald Boulanger