The Way Out

This intense psychological thriller from director Barry Jay is a must-watch. Jonny Beauchamp stars as a young man grappling with the sudden death of his abusive father. Stuck in a dead-end job as a pizza delivery driver, he learns that his father has died of a "massive heart attack." With the help of his AA sponsor, played by Sherri Shepherd, and his "girlfriend," portrayed by Ashleigh Murray, he begins to navigate his new reality. Inheriting his father's house and a pile of massive unpaid bills, he decides to rent out rooms. This leads to an encounter with a mysterious and unsettling stranger, played brilliantly by Mike Manning, who teaches him how to fight back.

"Alex" (Jonny Beauchamp) is a young man recovering from a ghastly relationship with his father. He's pretty broke, in a bit of an emotional cul-de-sac and working as a pizza boy when he encounters the enigmatic and charming "Shane" (Mike Manning) with whom he soon becomes fascinated, infatuated and every so slightly obsessed. His new mentor determines to push "Alex" to his limits, then beyond those limits - enabling him to more fully enjoy sex, but also to be able to defend himself from those who would gay-bash him. As you will expect, there is quite a bit more to "Shane", and as this revenge thriller pans out, we discover a little more of just how his eye-for-an-eye mentality delivers brutal and violent results. My problems with this were twofold. The dialogue is extremely uninspiring, pedestrian even. This story deals with real issues faced by many young gay men who have difficulties with their parents, their friends, with alcohol and their own self-esteem and self-worth. The writing here is just too light-weight and it doesn't arm either character - especially Beauchamp - with enough to really punch through. The second is the woefully underlit photography. It's as if it were all being shot using some candles, or a Davy lamp. That works at certain stages of the story, but after a while I felt the whole point of "Alex" not having to live in the shadows was being compromised by director Barry Jay's choice to film it as if we were all in a cave. It's a solid story that looks at a few salient (and criminal) point. This just doesn't deliver that story very well.

Barry Jay expertly combines suspense with a meaningful exploration of trauma and addiction. The film's slow-build tension and deep character development set it apart from typical thrillers. Beauchamp delivers a powerful performance as the vulnerable yet determined Alex, while Manning brings a chilling intensity to Shane. The supporting cast, including Sherri Shepherd and Ashleigh Murray, adds depth and authenticity to the story.

The Way Out avoids cheap scares, focusing instead on psychological richness and emotional resonance. It delves into the complexities of dependency and recovery, making every moment significant and contributing to a profound sense of unease. For those seeking a thought-provoking and suspenseful film, The Way Out is a compelling reminder of how our pasts shape our present and is a must-watch in the psychological thriller genre.

No doubts, tempting to be real critic about it. But it is an unfair reaction. First, for the correct work of Mike Manning , proposing decent portrait of manipulativ revenger, poisoned at whole by past traumas and for not bad portrait of vulnerable Alex offered by Jonny Beauchamp.

But the good point is represented by Sherri Shepherd and Ashleigh Murray performances.

Another virtue - the problems explored, from the relation with abusive father to the fight against alcohol, feminine friends of a young homosexual and the desire as source of terrible troubles. And, sure, the education for a young man who was out of father good influences.

Difficult to ignore the cliches and the unrealistic situations, part of them too forced or artificial, but the end lines are fair clue about educational purpose of film.

This film explores the psychological foundations of dependency, not just on substances but also on individuals who initially appear as saviors. Barry Jay skillfully depicts Shane's manipulation as it subtly evolves, mirroring the addictive cycles Alex is trying to escape. This nuanced portrayal helps the film stand out in a genre where antagonists often lack depth.

While many thrillers rely on obvious shocks, The Way Out emphasizes the slow burn of psychological tension. This gradual buildup allows for a deeper connection with the characters, making Alex's choices feel profoundly personal. By concentrating on the internal rather than the external, the film creates a narrative that is both relatable and haunting, pushing the limits of typical genre conventions.

Ultimately, The Way Out serves as a stark reminder of the lasting impact of our pasts on our present selves. It's a compelling story that deftly balances psychological thriller elements with a poignant examination of character and control. As it navigates the complex terrains of trauma, addiction, and recovery, the film offers a gripping look at the challenges of overcoming personal demons and the often blurred lines between help and manipulation.