Pimped

Sarah (Ella Scott Lynch) is a young woman who is clearly dealing with personal issues and fighting with her own demons. While battling with her thoughts, she decides to get dressed and head out to her local bar where she meets a young handsome man, Lewis (Benedict Samuel). The two have a few drinks and get along nicely but little does Sarah know there is a bigger threat planned for her evening and her new lover may not be what he appears. Sarah is now trapped, with terrible consequences which she must face throughout the long night.

It should be noted that Pimped is an Australian film which has been delivered by director David Barker. This is also David's first directorial feature film.

Pimped is a film that relies on a small, strong cast and also a small location. To the director's credit, I personally enjoyed the overall look and style of this film (particularly the film's use of lighting), all of which I found to be incredibly creative and fun on screen. The film is mostly set within a home that looks old and also feels completely uncomfortable which naturally helps with creating suspense. Our Australian cast members (who honestly I was was a little unfamiliar with) also delivered great performances (in particular the actress Ella Scott Lynch) and I left the film feeling impressed with how suspenseful the film's tone actually is.

As one might expect, our film does contain twists and there are some turns. However, I feel the viewer's understanding of these twists or major plot points will in fact vary from viewer to viewer as some things are never clearly explained. I personally felt that I understood certain elements but sadly there are moments where I feel it would be very easy for an audience member to possibly think the wrong way. One could see a twist or plot point as something less or something more than what it was actually intended to be. It's a huge disappointment, considering all other factors are done well- kind of a glass is half empty or full situation. What you see and take away from the film could differ to what our director has intended (just my opinion).

As for the film's duration, Pimped is a rather quick film and I generally enjoyed the film's pacing, but sadly I did feel a slow burn at the start and once again right near the end of the film (more so towards the film's final ending prior to the credits). Once the film gets going, there is a fun experience that can be had, but it's mostly found within the centre of the film.

Overall Pimped delivers some stunning visuals and sets up a great world, particularly through the sets that we see for a good portion of the film. Our actors deliver good performances, but the sadly the film's major plot points or twists are told without any real confirmation and understanding revealed to he audience. Selected moments, particularly in the opening and closing of this film, can also feel like a slow burn. Nevertheless, for a directional debut by David Barker this is a proud achievement and I personally look forward to David's next upcoming film.

4.7/10 Walkden Entertainment

It's not often I wish a movie wouldn't end but that's exactly how I felt at the rather abrupt conclusion to Pimped. Which is funny because the opening 20 minutes didn't pull me in at all, but then out of the blue this movie revs up and keeps motoring on pleasingly and Ella Scott Lynch is the main reason for this, her character Sarah displaying all the hallmarks of being a mentally disturbed, dangerous young lady. The execution in this is amazingly effective and I wanted to see more but it ends after 75 minutes which was disappointing because we don't know how things pan out for Sarah.

It's a rape revenge type of thriller that spins off in an unexpected direction and had me wondering what would happen next. Clever movie making, excellent direction and some funny bits mixed in, makes for a titillating viewing experience that I really didn't want to end. That and the first 20 knocks it back so I'll settle for a respectable rating of 6 stars.

Personally I love a psychological horror flick that doesn't give the game away right at the outset. Pimped managed to create loads of intrigue earlier on and had enough twists to keep me guessing throughout. Beautifully shot and very well cast. Loved it. Definitely worth seeing this film.

Pimped is tightly scripted thriller, surprising me with it's themes. I wasn't expecting a genre film that dealt with issues of identity, while also building to a climatic end based around the abuse of a woman. Ella Scott Lynch is remarkable in her roles, so too Benedict Samuel. I saw this in the cinema in Sydney and it has stayed with me since. Beautifully shot with a soundtrack that was intense and minimal at the same time. This really moved me on a number of levels.

Two housemates, Lewis and Kenneth, befriend a young woman, Sarah. Their motives are selfish and malevolent but seemingly-fragile Sarah might just have a surprise or two in store for them.

I had low expectations before watching this but was impressed initially and with the plot development. Some interesting, unexpected turns of events, gritty violence, a tight plot and dark atmosphere made for reasonably compelling watching.

Unfortunately, however, writer-director David Barker could not sustain the quality throughout (despite the short running time) and things fizzle out towards the end. A great pity as it promised so much at one stage. Ultimately it is quite disappointing.