You Picked the Wrong One

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 is one of those thrillers where you can just feel the tension in every scene. Venus King isn't just smart-she's dangerous in the best way. When she's kidnapped, her captors think they're in control, but she quickly proves she's the real threat. Mr. Black, the leader of the kidnappers, is no fool-he's intense and calculated, making for a worthy opponent. But Venus is always a step ahead, turning the situation in her favor with pure intelligence. No over-the-top action, just sharp writing and a battle of wills that keeps you hooked until the very end. I feel Lauryn Ford is a new star in the making.....I'm going to check out her other films!!

I Thought it was gonna be your typical kidnapping story, but nope. From the moment the mob bosses lady is taken for ransom you can tell she's sizing up her captors, figuring out how to turn the tables. And when she does, it's straight-up genius. She doesn't need brute force-she uses her mind, her instincts, and a deep understanding of human nature to manipulate every situation in her favor. The tension keeps building as she plays her captors against each other, and the way power shifts throughout is what really makes this one stand out. The leader of the kidnappers, is no fool either, and watching them go head-to-head makes for some gripping scenes. The writing is sharp, the performances are solid, and for a low-budget film, it pulls off an impressive level of suspense. I didn't know whether I should root for the bad guys or the other bad guys. And the ending is something I have never seen before.

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."

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!