Deathwell

What did I just watch? A slow burn, low-level bag man story with music from Uncut Gems, trip out sequences courtesy of David Lynch and conspiracy theory intrigue with barcode tattoos and genetically modified human 'variants'. I honestly still don't know exactly what Deathwell was about and even asked myself a number of times, 'Why am I watching this?' But it kept my attention, never became boring and just when you think you've had enough, it snips off perfectly at 79mins. Good script, characters and overall 'mood'. Further chapters from this gritty, grimy and very stylish underworld would be welcome (and may help explain a few things too).

I tried really hard to follow the story line of this movie. Full of cuts to prior times which in itself is not necessarily bad bur here they were chaotic ans impossible to follow.. I could not figure out if they were flashbacks to a prior time, something currently happening, or his imagination. Story lines were introduced that were then dropped and never seen again. The audio was horrible. It often completely over-rode the dialogue at times which wasn't hard because the actors - especially the female lead, seemed to think that mumbling under her breathe added some sexuality to her character. If you enjoy a pointless, poorly acted and poorly directed movie, then this is for you.

We can start by stating the obvious that this is a micro-budget film with a cast of unrecognizable young faces. But this film is ACTUALLY saying something that is relevant to the times we live in. I actually watched it twice since I splurged the $2.99 to rent it, and had a completely different experience after a second viewing which is always a good thing. Don't go in expecting big budget effects and fast paced action. Watch with a keen eye and you'll find substance.

A drug dealer gets in a fix with his supplier all the meanwhile the cops are closing in on him. He does some bad grand theft auto styled crimes and ends up in prison. Why its called Deathwell, I don't think it matters.

A couple of annoying things stood out in this movie, too much muttering of words and difficulty seeing what was going on. The acting wasn't bad, it was more of a mixed bag oft going from semi decent to amateur.

The movie goes on with the protagonist getting marked by the cops and going into a catatonic depressed state with some trippy arty editing and directing effects. Not bad actually. However, after a while you start to wonder why you are still watching (as this part does go on) but you just need to see how they wrap it up even though you know it can only end one way for this guy.

It would be easy to attack this movie for being incoherent or choppy but its like that for a reason, you'll find out at the end. Not bad, I kinda liked it especially the musical scores.