Red Pill

An allegory sprung from contemporary culture and politics n the U. S. Poor acting, poor plot development, plot holes galore. To rate this a 10 is to do a disservice to filmmakers everywhere. Yes, it's interesting. But I am betting the majority of viewers will have forgotten this film in a day or two after having watched it. Nothing stands out and there is plenty that doesn't make sense. I'm sure the budget for this film was on the very low end and it shows from the beginning to end. The premise is terrific but it could have been developed into something much more cohesive and satisfying. I have to wonder how many of the ten star reviews are coming from the film makers and their friends, as well as employees.

I'm not a fan of horror films; there's enough horror in the world and this genre causes me so much anxiety. I watched Red Pill because I am such a Pinkins fan. It stunned me that this film was something of a cross between a great art house film and a scary but rivating commentary on the extremes of racism in America. What I found most interesting were the stretches of dialog that addressed so many realities of that racism. I have to applaud, as well, the reversal of roles, turning the white guy into the icky, misogynistic product of white supremacy. Nothing could be clearer on the whole history of this country than this film. And, yes, it was scary af! This is what a film by a Black writer/director can be when there are no whites to put their I-know-better-than-you-how-to-tell-your-story spin on it. Please, let us see more films by Black writers, directors, and producers.

Tonya Pinkins' film RED PILL is an artistic and, at times, even poetic yet muscular story that we all just went through. It is the nightmare we still can't wake up from. A collection of relatively ordinary people who want to improve their world drive into the rural South to Get Out the Vote before the 2020 election, and they walk right into a horror movie.

Folks, we have just been through this. Maybe this can help us wake up from the nightmare, or maybe not -- maybe it will just help us describe the nightmare more effectively. We laugh, we cry, if we survive it the credits roll. Using expert story-telling and ferocious images, Pinkins has made our nightmare materialize on the screen in red-hot terror, no let-up. The cast displays an energy that drags the viewer through some periods of jaw clenching that actually tired me out but thinking back on the last few years, I came to think of this as a catharsis. Two thumbs up and trembling.

I'll start by saying I immediately wanted to watch this film again!

Loved the casting - I thought the actors were excellent and well matched. The antagonist didn't have to say anything at all and I still got the point! Maybe even loved the role a little more for the mystery...

The storyline is modern but the themes are old as time.

I would also say the first like 10 minutes of the film really set the stage so don't be late to your viewing!

Otherwise bring a full bowl of popcorn... and eat it fast so you don't throw it out of you lap at the first thrill!!!

After seeing all the ten star reviews, I felt obligated to leave an unbiased one. There is no way the high reviews are from anyone but those associated with the movie or the actors in it.

Ok, so I just deleted everything else I wrote. I felt horrible being so honest. I know people work hard and it pains me to critique harshly. I'll say this, it is not a well made movie in any category, from editing to dialogue. You might find entertainment in the good bad movie aspect but I did not. The premise intrigued me and it could have been so much better. Watch Get Out instead if you want social commentary horror.

One positive thing I will write...I read that Ms Perkins is a celebrated stage actress. If this one of her early film directing and acting projects, then she has much room to improve and I wish her well.