Redemption holds great integrity in its film voice through its story and art. We are led through the vision of an former athlete's turbulent acting career in the Hollywood mayhem. With uniquely constructed scenes, we are instantly lured into this film.
Brian White as `Christian Rayne' gives us a great performance by showing the many sides of a young man struggling to find his 'truth' in a world that escapes him. He tries to find his way through an acting career after his promising Olympic track career has been halted by an injury. `Christian' connects with `Claire', played by Tracey Stone, at a friend's party. At that same party, `Christian' also meets a famed actor `Tony' who later influences `Christian's' drug use. Stone conveys beautiful and impacting scenes. We are entranced with `Christian' and `Claire's' chemistry as they both move seamlessly into a tepid then passionate relationship.
However, not all is bliss in the real world, nor on screen. Enter the antagonist, `Trent' - played by Dwayne Chattman. Chattman is great as the constant threatening force in the harmonic balance of the underdog. There are enough violent scenes in the film to make someone uncomfortable, but, the film is definitely not your typical gratuitous big-budget 'blood & guts' movie that you can get everywhere. (If that is what you are looking for, then go somewhere else.) Redemption has a deeper meaning and that is what this film is about. `Trent' has a clandestine relationship with `Claire' that we learn about in time and as it slowly unfolds, so does the story's intensity.
In addition, there are other pivotal roles and performances in the film. `Christian's' father, played by Darrow Igus, gives us a steady baseline for `Christian's' frame of mind throughout the film. Darrow Igus is key into the 'truth' with which `Christian' is constantly trying to attain. Their bond, which at first seems antiseptic, traverses to the heart by the great dialogue and performances.
Other roles to watch are `Tony', played by Doron Keenan, `Melique' played by T.J. Storm, `Marlon' played by Scottie Tate and `Veronica' played by Stacy Bellew.
The director has provided us with great insight into a personal story that will floor viewers until the very end of the film. If you pay attention, you will learn so much that you will have to watch the film again to absorb all of the information. Admittedly, some of the intense drug scenes are difficult to watch without looking away. For those not familiar with hard-core drug use, it is an eye-opener. The film is not always intense, as `Marlon' and `Melique' provide us with great scenes of humour and friendly situations. The script by Hunter Dennis, is well-rounded in its basis to cover all areas of human emotions. One thing to watch is that the director himself has a sense of humour since he has Thanked the 'Ducks of Echo Park' in the credits. .---- The 'R' rating is for strong language due to a discourse used by a few of the characters appropriately suited to their nature. The rating is also used for the drug use, sexuality - that is wonderfully mastered - and some violence. The writer of this film has great intelligence for making all of the dialogue deep and thought-provoking - it is not made just for the sixth-grade level. (Audiences have to pay constant attention.) I highly recommend this film to audiences that enjoy films with depth, meaning and heart. For a first-time film by Sean Reid, he certainly has shown great promise.
