I really enjoyed this film. I thought the story was interesting and a new twist on an old favorite. I agree Patrick (Shen Lin) was not the best actor here, but the character was interesting and we were rooting for him. There are some familiar actors in the cast - - not surprisingly because Bobby Roth also directs Prison Break, as well as numerous episodes of various popular dramas like Grey's Anatomy, Criminal Minds, and Agents of S. H. I. E. L. D. Sounds pretty well-connected. I didn't watch Prison Break but recognize Rockmond Dunbar from his woke family character in 911. The videography is good, the venue is good, there are some interesting surprises.
I see at least 2 reviews mention something about a hidden message; one which implied it has to do with the deer. This makes me wish people would just say what they mean rather than talk in riddles to avoid having to add a spoiler tag. Do they think this is pay-back for killing the buck? If so, I (as an animal lover and a vegetarian) disagree that the writer had this in mind. Being in a hunting lodge is super common American fare, especially for a thriller film.
I think a lot of the low stars in this forum are just disappointed in two Chinese actors being the leads. But if it makes you feel better, the story was written by a Daxing Zhang. So it's not just the them "trying to break into Hollywood" as one person claimed. Their women have actually never had a problem literally already being in Hollywood (becoming a sex symbol after we sent out military overseas in WWII). And there are some famous men, as well, including Bruce Lee, Jet Li, and Jackie Chan. Because this film simply doesn't deserve the low stars. It's well-paced, intriguing, surprising, and at times tender.
