Movie Reviews

‘Help’ Review – A Moody Thriller That Offers A Rare Perspective

Synopsis:

A painful break up prompts Grace to visit her friend Liv who is living with her boyfriend Edward. The trio start the weekend in high spirits but soon turns into chaos, as well-kept secrets are exposed.

When it comes to matters of the heart, people will do some unthinkable things. After all, television shows like Cheaters and Snapped were not created by mistake. We’ve seen keyed cars, slashed tires, slashed faces, torched homes, and even murder. We’ve also seen the more subtle, yet still diabolical, actions like catfishing, doxing, swatting, poisoning, and sleeping with the best friend. I’m certain that the majority of people who perpetrate these acts, regret them almost immediately. For those that don’t, well, I’m sure you deserve whatever comes your way. Regardless, momentary actions can have forever consequences. I urge you to think things through before you act because most of the time, the anger isn’t worth your time. You can always just move on. As the saying goes, “there are fish in the sea” and you deserve better than whoever could drive you to these depths.

“Why’d you really come here?”

Are there secrets worth killing to protect? Directed by Blake Ridder in his feature-length directorial debut, Help is a moody thriller that offers a rare perspective. Beginning with the conversation every couple hopes to never have, the film quickly dives into a tone of apprehension and tension and never lets up. Its quiet atmosphere and unsettling score allow for an environment where anything can happen. This is a story where secrets are held by everyone and no one is as innocent as they claim to be. It’s a tale of dishonesty, domestic abuse, misconceptions, eroding friendships, and dying trust. Immediately, there is an awkward tension that sweeps through every scene as each person feels that something odd is going on. You can’t help but have preconceived notions when initially sussing out the situation, however, you will be simultaneously very correct and very wrong. The story can feel like a bit of a slow burn as the tension builds, but once one secret is revealed, everything goes completely awry. As the film unfolds and abuse rears its head, an aspect of it that usually goes unspoken is unveiled. Going from calm and friendly to completely unhinged, this is a story that is both entertaining and engrossing. At every turn, it gets more interesting. The cinematography is well done, the writing is grounded, and the score is perfect. Also, Ridder’s direction shows that he is heading in the right direction. My only real beef with the film is its overly dramatic ending. It’s definitely worth a watch. Its rewatchability is medium.

Pacing & Pop

The film does a great job of building an awkward tension that transforms into a heightened menacing one. The pacing matches the building tension perfectly. What popped for me was the film’s twist. I didn’t see it coming but once it happened it made so much sense. I also really enjoy the score a great deal.

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Emily Redpath, Sarah Alexandra Marks, Louis James, Blake Ridder, Stuart Wolfe-Murray, Amy Jim, Duncan James

I think this cast worked well together creating the awkward secret-filled tension. Led by the relatively new, Emily Redpath as Grace, you can empathize with every character, except for maybe one who is completely unhinged. Sarah Alexandra Marks and Louis James as Liv and Ed, respectively, both deliver ambiguous performances that keep you guessing until the big reveal. In a tale where everyone is in the wrong, whose side do you pick?

Help is now available on VOD. Stay safe and enjoy.