You Picked the Wrong One

As a filmmaker, I respect a tight, well-executed thriller, and You Picked the Wrong One delivers exactly that. Venus King is sharp, ruthless, and always in control-watching her outmaneuver her captors is pure suspense. Mr. Black is a strong antagonist, and their battle of wits keeps the tension high. For a low-budget film, the storytelling is solid, and the direction makes the most of every scene. My only gripe? I wish Venus had a little more warmth or vulnerability to make her easier to root for. That said, it's still a well-crafted, engaging thriller that does a lot with what it has. Totally worth the watch!

1. "Power Shifts and Mind Games Galore" "This film is a masterclass in tension and psychological manipulation. It starts with a kidnapping-a scenario we've seen in countless thrillers-but what sets it apart is how quickly the power dynamics shift. Venus King isn't your typical victim. She's a strategist, always thinking several moves ahead, turning her captors into pawns in her game. The film thrives on these shifts in control, where the line between predator and prey blurs. Mr. Black, the enigmatic leader of the kidnappers, is no fool. He's ruthless, calculated, and believes he's in control-until Venus begins to unravel his carefully laid plans. Their interactions are electric, filled with subtle manipulations, psychological warfare, and unexpected alliances. Every scene is charged with tension, as you watch Venus manipulate not just her captors but the entire situation. The film challenges the traditional power dynamics we expect in thrillers, proving that true strength comes from intelligence, not brute force. It's a riveting, thought-provoking ride."

A good thrilling indie kidnap caper complete with the usual idiotic kidnapper gang waving guns and knives but never really seeming to actually go through with their many vocal threats against the kidnappee (Venus King). The lighting and colours are well done and avoid the usual grainy dark scenes found in indie films. The lead heroine (Venus King played by Lauryn Ford) is characteristically sassy and bold despite her situation and there are enough twists and turns in the film to hold the attention of viewers throughout the length of the film duration. Overall it is a fun film, long enough to keep the interest without dragging.

This movie was a very smart thriller with a standout original lead character. I've been watching movies of this genre for a very long time and I have to say that this one really surprised me. It's not your basic run-of-the-mill crime thriller. The lead, Venus King, is definitely a force to be reckoned with. From the moment she's taken , you can tell she's always thinking, always calculating, and that's what makes her such a compelling lead character. The writing is sharp and intelligent, keeping the tension high without relying on action or cliches. The performances are solid across the board, especially Mr. Black, who brings an intensity that always keeps the stakes high. The dynamic between Venus and her captors is what really drives the story, and the way power shifts throughout is handled masterfully. It also kept me guessing right up until the every end. For a low budget film, it does an impressive job creating suspense and atmosphere. Definiotely worth the watch!

Delivering a sharp and satisfying twist on the crime thriller genre, director and screenwriter Dwayne Alexander Smith plays an intricate mind game with the viewer in which the tables are constantly turning.

When kidnapped Venus King (Ford), the wife of shadowy underworld crime boss Damon King (Gaston), finds herself handcuffed to a chair in a darkened room, in the middle of nowhere, it doesn't stop her from turning greed and paranoia against her three abductors (Whitfield, Hoffman, Ross). What a fun ride watching Venus play with the kidnappers' heads.

Kudos to everyone involved. The visual handiwork and clever writing shows me that Smith's artistic bag of tricks is indeed impressively stocked.