Toxic Impulses

I watch a lot of indie films and this is right up there with the best of them.

The film follows an ex-cop who agrees to help a mysterious woman who knocks on his door one night, claiming that she is being blackmailed. Looking for something to do, he gets stuck in and begins investigating. We soon learn that this woman is also a bank robber and very quickly we descend into a dangerous criminal underworld.

Writer/Director Kyle Schadt does a great job of keeping the audience guessing with many twists and turns along the way. While it's not as polished as a Hollywood thriller, in terms of its production values, the story is key - and this is a good one!

This film is a step up from Schadt's previous film 'Silent Panic' and I'd love to see what he can do with a bigger budget. Definitely give this a look if you like a good crime thriller!

Without giving away any spoilers whatsoever... This movie is a roller coaster in terms of what fulfilling expectations. For an indie film, it must be said that there are some seriously high quality shots littered throughout which demonstrate a lot of flare behind the camera. A few technical things could be improved upon such as consistency with the lighting, but it gives this film more of a cult charm to it than something that takes itself too seriously which I loved. Some great acting in there with the more intense scenes too. Overall the story kept my attention and wanting to find out what happens, with a good ending to boot!

"Toxic Impulses" masterfully redefines the modern noir genre, weaving together a tapestry of suspense, moral ambiguity, and gripping action. With a morally questionable protagonist at its center, the film immerses viewers in a world filled with danger and intrigue, featuring a menacing villain and a suspicious damsel in distress who keep the stakes high throughout.

The narrative is a rollercoaster of twists and turns, constantly challenging our expectations and testing our trust in the filmmakers. Just when you think you have it figured out, another layer of complexity unfolds, keeping you guessing until the very end. The direction is sharp, and the pacing ensures that the tension never lets up.

What truly elevates "Toxic Impulses" is its exploration of justice. As the narrative unfolds, you find yourself rooting for resolution for all characters involved, regardless of their flaws. The film does not shy away from the complexities of human nature, making the quest for justice all the more compelling.

Toxic Impulses is a neo-noir thriller about a former detective, Mosley, who is visited by a mysterious woman in need of his help. Mosely is hesitant at first, but soon gets sucked into the underbelly of the city where no one can be trusted.

All-in-all, for an indie film, it was well done. The locations are great and it has pretty good production value overall. The theme of neighborly love was a nice touch. However, what was lacking for me most was character motivation. Why did Mosely care enough to get involved? Why was the young woman doing what she was doing? What did she ultimately want? With those questions answered, I think the story could've been much stronger.

Toxic Impulses has a lot of twists and turns. If you like moody neo-noir thrillers then give this one a shot.

Very impressive film for an independent movie. Particularly the soundtrack, which blew me away from start to finish with its effectiveness - the music is catchy when it needs to be. The cinematography is also very good, and the editing perfect in my opinion. The acting is also commendable, especially Benedikt Sebastien (Mosley), Olivia Buckle (Zemira), Helene Udy (Liz) and Sara Elizabeth Ryan (Keisha). I confess that the story didn't transcend me, but the technical quality is there. The positive note at the end stands out from the rest of the story, but I think it does a lot of good. Bravo to all the team for this impressive work!