Film Review
Plot
From the outset, I'll be transparent-I only chose to watch this film because a friend of mine had a supporting role. I was quickly surprised by how much the story pulled me in. The pacing was tighter than expected, and the narrative had enough momentum to hold my attention from start to finish. Still, while the core plot delivered tension, it occasionally relied too heavily on familiar tropes and missed opportunities for deeper immersion.
One example is the heist itself. While it provided some suspense, it would have benefited from a more drawn-out and strategic setup that invited the audience to feel like they were part of the crew pulling off the job. A slower, more detailed breakdown of the planning and execution could have elevated the film from entertaining to gripping.
Characters
The film's strongest point lies in the relationships between its characters. I invested in their dynamics, which often carried more weight than the action sequences. However, the supporting crew members lacked meaningful backstory or development. We weren't given enough insight into their history or why they trusted each other, leaving the group dynamic underexplored.
The brother's role especially felt underdeveloped. His inclusion in the heist seemed unnecessary, as though he was added for convenience rather than because his presence enriched the plan or heightened the stakes. A clearer explanation of his purpose would have made the story tighter and more cohesive.
Pacing & Storytelling
The film's pacing kept things moving, but at times it moved too quickly over key narrative details. For example, the way the police identified the brothers as the perpetrators came across as abrupt and underexplained. In comparison, films like Den of Thieves succeed by gradually layering investigative clues, making the eventual reveal more impactful and believable. Here, that story thread felt rushed, creating a gap in what could have been a more substantial payoff.
Direction & Visuals
Visually, the film had moments of real strength. Specific sequences were framed to effectively highlight tension and emotion. However, the direction leaned on familiar genre conventions too often, weakening the originality. Still, the performances carried the material and kept even weaker stretches engaging.
Final Verdict
Overall, the film exceeded my initial expectations. I came in only to support a friend, but left pleasantly surprised by how entertained I was. While it has flaws-particularly in its underdeveloped crew, rushed investigative elements, and missed opportunities in the heist-it still delivered enough tension and character investment to make it worth the watch. With more attention to detail and depth, it could have been more than just good-it could have been truly memorable.
