My quick rating - 5,4/10. I found I enjoyed this flick a lot more than I expected. It takes you on a disturbing and intense journey through the life of Remy, played convincingly by Olivia Luccardi, as she is cast out from her religious cult, leaving her vulnerable and lost. Seeking refuge with an underground group of truck stop sex workers, she finds herself in an entirely new and unforgiving world. The characters in this world are compelling, each with their unique background, and they make the story engaging. One of the film's strengths lies in its portrayal of the psychological struggle Remy faces. The clash between her devout beliefs and her new surroundings creates an inner turmoil that keeps you invested in her character development. As she grapples with her moral compass, the movie raises questions about faith, societal norms, and personal identity. Another stand out character is the enigmatic local lawman (William Baldwin), whose motivations and intentions remain ambiguous throughout the movie. This adds an element of mystery to the narrative, leaving us intrigued and guessing until the final act. However, despite its potential, the film does have some shortcomings. The pacing tends to be inconsistent, with moments of gripping intensity followed by slower, less engaging sequences. The violent scenes, while serving the purpose of emphasizing the dangers Remy faces, can be excessive and might turn off some viewers. Granted I point this out in review while I found it to be a strength. Furthermore, the movie's overall direction lacks clarity at times, making it difficult to fully immerse yourself in the story. A tighter focus on the main themes and character arcs could have elevated the movie's impact and emotional resonance. This flick is not for the faint of heart; it explores dark and uncomfortable themes that might not sit well with everyone. However, its exploration of the human psyche and the journey of self-discovery make it a thought-provoking experience. It shines in its depiction of complex characters and gritty realism but stumbles with its uneven pacing and excessive violence. This film definitely has both horror and thriller elements but I lean towards my hastag due to the more realistic surroundings this flick places us in. You can easily walk away with a slasher vibe from it just as well so I suppose it just depends on how you interpret it. Either genre works for me and also does for this flick as it stradles the line quite well. For one I hadn't heard of, I was entertained by its originality and brutality at the same time.
Candy Land (2022)
Updated: Aug 6, 2023
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