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The movie's opening slyly draws the viewer into the commentary on the inadequacy of our health care system and the desperation that it causes. The main characters are richly portrayed through the exceptional acting of both leading men, Rey Goyos and Michael Teh. Jennifer Prediger's depiction of a brittle woman was spot on, and added comic relief, as well as tension. The music was perfect, and the cinematography exquisite. Sarrow's screenplay confronts both our current health care system and the lack of ethics in the advertising industry. Sarrow's direction is tight, and wastes no time in creating tension between the two lead actors. He has brought out the complexity of the characters, and added multiple layers and differing perspectives. I await his next film. Hopefully, Sarrow will continue to confront the ills plaguing our society.

The amazon algorithm led me to this title, and I dug the title so I said why not and rented. And almost immediately it grabbed me. Good production value, funny writing, good music and really solid acting. Honestly this feels like it'd make a really solid play as well and I'm wondering if it was before it became a screenplay and a film. The writer director has a great knack for storytelling and I will be checking out more of his work.

There are many gems in the low budget indie universe. This is definitely one of them. What's sad is that this film could've easily been made by a studio with bigger names. But somehow it's better in this form, with a low budget and "no name" actors, because you can tell that this film is exactly what the director / writer wanted to make. No compromises in the story telling. And that is the element of indie film that the studio system can't hold a candle to.

If you're looking for Hollywood flash and polish, look elsewhere. This one isn't for you. This is an indie film, and its modest budget occasionally peeks through-minor imperfections such as slightly cramped camera angles that are easily forgiven. In return, you're treated to a unique and thoughtful story that blends heavier moments with witty dark humor. As a result, the movie never feels bogged down by its subject matter. Both actors deliver strong performances, and Rico, played by Rey Goyos, skillfully portrays the role of a terminally ill man; the depth of his character is evident. This is a well-paced film that maintains a steady rhythm, and it's well worth your 87 minutes.

Great writing and directing Michael Sarrow! The chemistry between Rey Goyos and Michael Teh is amazing. I haven't seen a film shot this well with two actors who own the screen in one room for the duration of the movie in a long while.

It was brilliant how both men emotionally tussled over the power dynamic. Good access to Healthcare is often overlooked by the privileged. Great depictions of how the privileged and the underserved both can both easily give in to human nature.

Great score by Gg Grigorian. The musical ensembles kept pushing the movie forward and had great escalation as the movie temperature rose.

I won't drop any spoilers... but this movie is certainly worth a watch!

Really enjoyed the constant twists that this film provides. Just when you think you know how things are going to play out you're hit with a plot twist! I thought the actors did a tremendous job. The director really did an incredible job tying the film into real life dilemmas that people face every day. Especially when it comes to the inability to afford health care in the US. Also really thought the background music paired with the scenes added a really nice added element of suspense. If you enjoy phycological thrillers with plenty of twists and turns I'm confident you'll thoroughly enjoy this one!

An incredibly entertaining and enjoyable movie that kept me on the edge of my seat. Sarrow's character development was impeccable. The narrative led me on an emotional rollercoaster, where my predictions of the plot line were immediately challenged over and over again. Just when you think you know what will happen, you find out you were wrong. It's amazing! The underlying themes of inequity in healthcare access and socioeconomic disparities had me and my partner discussing this movie for hours after we left the theater. The actors represented their roles beautifully. I recommend this masterpiece to all. I cannot wait to share it with family and friends, and will be looking forward to future films from Sarrow.

Rarely does a film explore the intersection of morality and survival with such precision. The dynamic between the desperate man and the ad director is explosive, each scene charged with tension and uncertainty. What starts as a simple hostage situation transforms into a heart-wrenching journey where both characters are pushed to their limits. The ending will leave you reeling, and the questions raised about ethics, marketing, and the human condition linger long after the credits roll. This film masterfully captures the lengths to which people will go when faced with their mortality. The terminally ill man's desperation is heart-wrenching, and his relationship with the ad director is fraught with tension, mistrust, and reluctant understanding. The film's exploration of how we value life-and at what cost-makes it much more than a standard thriller. Some parts drag a bit, but the emotional weight carries it through to a satisfying, albeit unsettling, conclusion.

Wasn't sure what to expect going into this film. Ended up being a very interesting commentary on American consumerism, healthcare, and having your faith truly tested.

The two leads, while relatively unknown, turned in great performances and it's really the chemistry between the two of them that makes this film so riveting.

The tension is constant, but the humor lands so well that the tension doesn't overwhelm. There are a few twists and turns along the way that had the theater gasping in one moment and audibly elated the next.

It walks the fine line between comedy and tragedy in a way that I just found to be so brilliant. Highly recommend Smile as you Kill.

The film's setup is unique and brilliantly executed. The lead characters share a tense chemistry that carries the film's suspense. While it explores interesting ethical questions about how far one can go to survive or help another, some viewers might find certain plot twists a bit predictable. However, the story's emotional weight, combined with strong performances, keeps it engaging from start to finish. Not for the faint-hearted, this movie balances raw emotion with edge-of-your-seat tension. The story feels especially relevant in today's age of viral marketing and online campaigns, questioning how much of what we see is truth versus manipulation. The lead actors shine in their roles, and while the pacing is sometimes slow, the payoff is worth it. It's a haunting reminder of the lengths people will go to when pushed to the brink.

A perfectly timed relevant thriller to come out. The writing and directing is just brilliant. The build up and twists kept glued to my screen. Rico and Terry are both deep characters from different walks of life. Both characters are both so well written and acted, that it was very difficult for me to pick who's side I will be on. It's opportunity greed vs how far one will go to see another day.

The dark witty humor sprinkled throughout is outstanding and adds comic relief. I did not predict the complex plot twists and relatable emotions the two main characters both go through.

I highly recommend everyone to watch Smile as you Kill.

A dark thriller that explores our modern obsession with virality and crowdfunding, this movie taps into the power of online influence with chilling intensity. The dynamic between the terminally ill kidnapper and the ad director feels authentic and deeply unsettling. The pressure mounts as both characters grapple with their consciences, and the narrative unravels layers of societal critique. It's a suspenseful, thought-provoking film, though at times the pacing slows. Still, the ending packs an emotional punch."Smile as You Kill" portrays not just physical survival but also the inner battles each character faces. It's a haunting and beautifully crafted depiction of resilience.

I first heard about this film on Instagram, and as a fellow film maker myself I decided to check it out!! I really enjoyed this film. It's brilliantly written on an issue that is very important into today's society. There are so many themes in here that make this film relatable. The comedy helps to balance the plot out very well! The lead actors, Michael and Teh and Rey Goyos's performances are great in this!! Watching it, I couldn't figure out who I was roooting for. Lots of twist and turns that will have you laughing and on the edge of your seat. I highly recommended this film and will watch it again!

....but first you must learn how to smile as you kill. I really enjoyed this suspenseful dark comedy. Smart writing that hit home on a lot of issues in today's society. Plenty of thoughtful details and interesting Easter eggs. Check out the lyrics to John Lennon's Working Class Hero to see where the film's title is from. The film pays homage to Ingmar Bergman and has a bit of a throwback vibe in a good way. I saw it at the Silicon Valley Film Festival in the Los Angeles Chinese Theater. I am excited to see what the writer director does next. I highly encourage you to check out this film and support independent film makers.

This film shines a spotlight on how egregious the pharmaceutical and medical industry can be. The dichotomy between the two main characters is very apparent and shows how greed is so apparent in our medical industry. Worth the watch with great dialogue and plot twists. The film references other famous shots like the classic Bergman shot with the faces. The score was pretty good too! One of my favorite shots of the movie is the camera pushes over a cliff overlooking the ocean..the music swells up once a certain plot twist is revealed. The color tone too was great referencing the ocean and a lot of blue. More nuggets once you see it again.

The film's attention to psychological detail and character depth creates a visceral portrayal of survival, where no one is simply a hero or villain. This film tackles war's brutal reality with unflinching honesty, presenting complex characters who grapple with decisions that test their very humanity. This film dives deep into human desperation and the lengths someone will go to survive. The psychological tension between the two main characters is palpable throughout, keeping you at the edge of your seat. The complex moral questions it raises about manipulation, ethics, and the value of life leave a lasting impression. While the premise is high-stakes, the performances ground it in raw emotion, making this a compelling and thought-provoking watch.

Saw this one recommended in a low budget movie group and decided to rent. One of those one location movies without a lot of characters. The early movie sets up the two characters and where they're coming from. If you like a movie without a clear villain or hero this is a good watch. Gives you something to talk about after.

Some funny humor and tension as the GoFundMe plot is set up but we know the movie is going to pull the rug at some point. It's all about the dialogue here and not an action thriller but I was trying to figure out where things were going the whole time. For a low budget movie the film team did a good job pushing this story as far as it could go. A refreshing change from some other bigger movies.

Film is spellbinding with unexpected twists, smart writing, and dark humor, appreciating its commentary on the inadequacies of the healthcare system that touches on real-world concepts and issues,praising the character development and engaging plot. Characters are engaging and believable suspense is expertly managed throughout the film. The dark humor lends a sense of humanity to the characters. A must watch for all who come in contact with the American healthcare system. Definitely timely given the recent United Healthcare CEO. A thought-provoking thriller that delves into themes of desperation, morality, and the flaws within the healthcare.

Clever plotting and grounded performances elevate this unpredictable thriller beyond the usual indie. Michael Teh is particularly engaging as Terry Tanner, a charming but smarmy, overly confident creative director for an ad agency specializing in health care. You like him but you also want to throttle him. Rey Gohos is empathetic and proud as Rico, the ailing man desperate for help from the very man who has catalyzed his critical situation by being a willing cog in the wheel of the corrupt healthcare system. The script is savvy and sharp (shades of Luigi Mangione's crime do not go unnoticed, an event that happened well after production) and the director Michael Sarrow executed respectfully, considering the limits in budget and location. Will be curious to see what he does next.

I watched "Smile As You Kill" by Michael Sarrow, and WOW! 🎥 This movie has everything - suspense, emotion, and a dark twist that keeps you hooked. Rico Allende's (Rey Goyos) story is a gut-wrenching portrayal of human desperation, while Terry Tanner's (Michael Teh) character adds a layer of complexity and moral ambiguity that's hard to shake off, making this script a powerful commentary on society. As a movie, it promises to be a thought-provoking and thrilling watch. Get ready to question everything you think you know about right and wrong. This is not just a movie, it's an experience. #EmotionalThriller #FilmCritic #MustWatch.

Such a timely and relevant film with many twists and turns. This film targets the unfairness of the current healthcare industry and how desperate subscribers become angry with denial of services, lies, and false representation. The actors were excellently cast, & held my attention for almost an hour and a half. I will definitely recommend this film to friends. This was a terrific, terrifying, and suspenseful crime thriller. The storyline was very clever, and Michael Sarrow is to be applauded for writing and directing an engaging and captivating film. Well done! I will be searching for more films by this director in the future.

It's amazing to think that long before the Luigi Mangione case, this film foresaw a very similar scenario. In just 87 minutes, this film grabs you and never lets go. Tense, clever, with exciting twists and turns... but also deeply thoughtful, with piercing things to say about the American health care system.

Rey Goyos takes a very challenging role - a man who takes a health care industry ad exec hostage - and infuses it with a soulfulness and sympathy that makes you relate to him... but also a haunted darkness that keeps you from making excuses for his crime. Similarly Michael Teh, who gives his role a corporate slickness without making the ad exec a stereotype. In his own way, he's an artist who despite his awards questions what his own life has added up to. You end up feeling deeply for him, too. In refreshing ways, this film adds a nuance and humanity that the online discourse around the Mangione case so often lacks.

When Goyos' character, Rico, forces Teh's character, Terry, to make an ultimate GoFundMe for Rico's life-or-death medical needs, it both creates a compelling plotline while also exposing the heartbreaking absurdity of ordinary people in the richest country in the world having to beg strangers online to help them afford lifesaving treatment.

Writer-director Michael Sarrow deftly crafts this tale in ways that at times captures his characters' intense claustrophobic face-off, and at other times feels profoundly expansive and even soulful. Reminiscent of the films of Ingmar Bergman, who could take two people on an island and make it feel like a cosmic drama was unfolding, Sarrow takes two men in a deadly struggle and explores the American health care industry, our moral choices, and ultimately, our fragile mortality itself. I cannot recommend this film enough.

"Smile as You Kill" is a gripping thriller that plays with your emotions, blurring the lines between humor and horror. The protagonist's seemingly innocent smile contrasts with his chilling actions, making him a truly unforgettable character. The film builds suspense beautifully, gradually revealing more about the killer's past and motivations. The performances are stellar, particularly from the lead actor, whose portrayal of the psychopath is both charismatic and terrifying. The story twists and turns, keeping the viewer guessing until the very end. A truly unsettling yet thrilling film Guessing.

An unapologetically dark thriller with laughs you don't see coming, Smile as You Kill is pure, addictive escapism. The writing is smart, the twists are plentiful, and the protagonist's devilish charm is a winner. Smile as You Kill weaves humor with horror seamlessly, creating a masterpiece of tension and wit. Each chapter dives deeper into a twisted psyche, and you'll be hooked until the last sinister smile. This book combines suspense and sarcasm in unexpected ways. The protagonist's ironic wit in dark situations makes it a fresh, unforgettable read. Perfect for fans of thrillers with a dark comedic twist.