A One Mann’s Movies review of “Kill” (2024).
(Alternative title: Betrayal)
Sometimes a ‘little’ film packs a bigger punch than all of the glossy big-budget Hollywood thrillers that come out. Case in point, “Kill” (aka “Betrayal”) – a film that, at the moment, seems to only be getting a limited release in Scotland, but which deserves to be seen more broadly. (Distributors, please take note.)
Bob the Movie Man Rating:
Plot Summary:
Three brothers, John (Brian Vernel), Henry (Daniel Portman) and Vince (Calum Ross), are out hunting in the Scottish woods when they kill their abusive father Don (Paul Higgins). They bury him in a shallow grave but when they return to recover something important, the grave is empty.
Certification:
UK: 15; US: R. (From the BBFC web site: “Domestic abuse, strong threat, violence, language”.)
Talent:
Starring: Paul Higgins, Brian Vernel, Daniel Portman, Calum Ross, Anita Vettesse, James Harkness, Joanne Thomson.
Directed by: Rodger Griffiths.
Written by: Rodger Griffiths & Robert Drummond.
Running Time: 1h 34m.
“Kill” Summary:
Positives:
- What a terrific set-up for a movie!
- Some genuine jumps.
- Strong acting from the relatively unknown cast.
- Some really effective music cues.
- Some great cinematography.
Negatives:
- The final reel is over-cooked.
- Damage is no issue!
Review of “Kill”:
A terrific story.
I read the outline story of this one and badgered the PR person (thanks Emma Deakins!) to send me an early-advance screener. Because the story outline really grabs you doesn’t it? While intrigued, I was aware that this was a ‘small’ low-budget production, so didn’t get my hopes up too much. But how wrong was I! Honestly, the first 30 minutes of this film is the most gripping opener of any thriller that I have seen this year. I went “Wow”. You only progressively get to realise what is going on and why – this is “show don’t tell” film-making in action.
Great cinematography
The sense of place achieved by these opening scenes is helped enormously by some great cinematography by Alasdair Boyce. Overhead tracking drone shots of the beautiful Scottish forests reminded me of the opening of “No Time to Die” and once we get into the forest and the hunting scenes the pallette changes to wonderful shades of green.
A story that keeps you guessing.
The story, co-written by the director Rodger Griffiths, keeps you guessing as it throws in different, sometimes supernatural-feeling, elements. Coming across strange artefacts in the forest reminded me of the recent “The Watched“. Does the story get somewhat over-cooked? Yes, as recriminations between the different parties abound and particularly in the third reel. But in the process I was subject to some twists that actually made me jump…. and very little makes me do that at the movies anymore! (I was watching on my laptop on headphones and actually audibly gasped at one point: the illustrious Mrs Movie Man asked if I was OK!)
Acting.
Acting-wise I recognised Paul Higgins from various roles (he was “Hilton” in “Line of Duty” for example), and he delivers a fine and intense performance as the hateful husband and father (mostly in flashback, obviously). But the other leads (who I didn’t recognise) also deliver really solid performances. Very good.
Music.
The music is by Max Aruj and Steffen Thum and very effective it is too. Working on the principal of “less is more”, there are only occasionally very subtle little atonal interventions and heighten the tension without remotely being intrusive. Indeed, you would question if there is actually any music in it at all… and isn’t that the best type of soundtrack?!
Marvel superheroes!
One criticism I have is that the leads handle injuries like Marvel superheroes. At various points, people are shot, knifed in the back, stabbed in the neck with a big shard of glass and fall through a 1st floor window onto a hard driveway. Unless required by the plot, these undoubted injuries are never referenced again! I’m afraid this rather took me out of the story.
Trigger warning.
The film concerns marital (and child) abuse by an overbearing male, so may be triggering for some viewers.
Summary Thoughts on “Kill”
This was a real surprise. A small-scale thriller that is superbly made (a debut feature for Rodger Griffiths) and actually manages to thrill.
Where to Watch it (Powered by Justwatch)
Trailer for “Kill”:
The trailer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wU3NYK1VTSc .
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