I wasn’t expecting much from this film when I was first read the press release. Soldier returns home from Iraq, has to deal with a new battle, same old story heard in every other movie of its kind. But the problem with press releases is that they can’t give you the good plot points, the ones that tell you how little this film has to do with Iraq, and more with human greed and personal survival.

Matt Taylor (Joelson) is an army veteran returning home after being gone for years. He tries in vain at first to reconnect to his sister, but she brushes him off as hes made no effort in her eyes to keep in touch, especially after their mothers passing. He goes to the local tavern to drown his sorrows and is only recognized by his old high school drinking buddy. After a few too many, the two friends begin discussing the story of the money cache found by U.S. soldiers in Iraq. This catches the ear of a group of down and out mill workers led by Finn, played well by R.D. Call, who are convinced that the returning hero has some of the money in his possession. Taylor is then ambushed by the men and held captive until he gives up the money they are dead certain he has. This decision snowballs into a situation none of them could have imagined, and one Taylor never wanted to experience. Without giving anything away, the outcome of the story is never in doubt, but will shock you anyway.

Director and Writer Kevin Lewis has crafted a film that is simple in story and execution, yet brilliant in the final product. Credit is due to his filming of a scene where a female hostage who was unlucky enough to be caught in the situation is being attacked and smothered by one of the kidnappers. This scene goes on for nearly five minutes with no cuts. All involved have put together a great film. I only hope it gets more attention, because it is absolutely a KILLER FILM

the sauce