The Unforgiving

Directed By Alastair Orr

Starring: Ryan Macquet, Craig Hawks, Claire Opperman, Michael Thompson

Synopsis:

Two survivors are interviewed as they are the only links to a run of killings that has plagued a desolate highway outisde of Johannesburg, South Africa. As time goes on it is clear that at least one of the interviewees is not what they seem.

For a no-budget movie this is quite a clever movie. The execution though betrays it's lack of money and that is a great shame.

The story is put forward by a series of flashbacks. presented in a disjointed style intent on confusion. This confusion helps serve the story and it's outcome.

The story is the strongpoint of this movie and the selling point. The camera work is effective but can be distracting. The lack of budget means that camera trickery is employed to avoid us getting a good look at what gory situations are going on. It's understandable that this approach is taken. This is Orr's first feature and the director does what he can to evoke atmosphere and achieve the goals of the screenplay.

The acting is a little of what you'd expect from a production of this nature but it's mainly solid; only let down by clunky dialogue. Ryan Macquet is the stand out, as his character goes through a series of changes. Macquet manages to keep his performance from straying into "cheesy" territories.

Summary:

The Unforgiving is a different take on the Saw-esque movies that have come along to benefit from the format's popularity. The film in itself is more of a revealed puzzle than most of it's type. It reminds me of the no-budget zombie movie Colin , in that it shows some talent in front and behind the camera and begs the question; what would these guys have done with a lot more finance?

6 out of 10 (Wayfarer)

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