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See also: SHADOWS FILM FESTIVAL | Last update 11.Jun.26

Red Light
Review by Rich Cline | 3/5

dir Reve Lavan
prd David Impelluso
scr Chris Anthony Ferrer, Jim Kierstead
with Justin Powell, Jeffry Batista, Chris Anthony Ferrer, Maximus Ganem, Jamie Sears, Dayana Corton, Aaron Rodriguez, Chris Perez, Mark Hernandez, Chad Raven, Danny Burgos, Madelin Marchant
release US 12.Jun.26
25/US 1h15

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Based on a play, this Saw-style thriller locks two strangers in a scarily violent confined space, unfolding the story through the conversation between them. Director Reve Lavan keeps the cameras prowling around the shadowy but colourfully lit set. Because of the arch approach, it's difficult not to suspect that something else might be going on here. The big reveal isn't a surprise, but the effect is darkly chilling.

Still shaken after a sexual assault, personal trainer Blake (Batista) heads to a nightclub to forget, but he's drugged and kidnapped. He wakes up in an electrified cage with older estate agent Alex (Powell). And it's cold in just their underpants. Then a red light indicates that a price must be paid. Torture ensues, but they also get food and clothing. Oddly, Alex treats this like a chance to get to know Blake, and they begin to find some tenderness together until the red light blinks on again, and this unnerving situation takes another turn.

Alex encourages Blake to talk about his past experiences, such as how he reacted to being bullied in school. And eventually Alex shares emotionally but enigmatically about his partner Luke. Interspersed flashbacks offer intense glimpses of teen Alex (Ganem) with Luke (Sears) as they go through a harrowing conversion therapy, which is even more emotionally torturous than the cage, leaving Alex badly scarred. There are also glimpses of Blake's post-assault therapy sessions.

"For a second, I forgot we were trapped," Blake says after their conversation turns deeply personal. Powell has a strong presence as the beefy Alex, who refuses to let Blake face their tormenter when the light comes on. Meanwhile, the likeably charismatic Batista navigates some swerving emotions as the angry, fearful, cocky and lovelorn Blake. Both performances are effective, even if the dialog and plotting make the characters and their reactions feel somewhat overstated.

It's fairly obvious that this situation isn't what it seems to be, and the growing sense of romance between these two very different guys isn't particularly convincing. Neither are the makeup effects. But the actors, and Lavan's restless camerawork, keep things intriguing. When we learn more, the motivation of the villain raises far bigger questions. This undermines the important themes running through the premise, leaving the film feeling more provocative than meaningful.

themes, language, violence, sexuality 11.Jun.26

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