Tonic

What a great indie film! I felt like I was watching a John Cassavetes film, it was so good. It's a story of the inner struggle of a man trying to make his way in a world where things seem to be against him at every turn. The twists and turns that take him thru a very long night are at times drama and at times comedic. The cast is spot on, especially Billy, the piano playing central character. The folks he interacts with during the film are all memorable in there own way.

This film is complete departure from what is being churned out by the big studios, and offers something unique to the viewer. Highly recommend!

This indie film plays out like a modern-day Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. Minute by minute, you feel like you're in Sebastian's shoes, digging deeper into trouble with no clear way out. The tension escalates with precision, turning what starts as a slow burn into a relentless thrill ride.

It's hard to look away. Every twist left me wondering what could possibly happen next. Just when you think the story has reached its peak, it tightens the screws even more. The pacing is sharp, the performances are raw, and the direction keeps you hooked without ever feeling forced.

A must-watch for anyone who craves gritty, character-driven thrillers with style and soul.

Billy as a struggling piano player, Lori as his sick sister. I found the performance from Billy to be spectacular! This was a dark journey into what one person will do to take care of an owed debt when the world is stacking everything it has against him and he has a lot to learn about himself along the way.

This is a different film that really separates itself from what I'm seeing released today. It definitely takes on a unique flavor of cinema that should be applauded!

Congratulations to all of those involved. Very creative script.

I'm looking forward to a second viewing soon!

Give it a watch for sure!

Very believable film about how bad decisions lead to worse ones. Intelligent writing and outstanding acting. Billy Blair as a down on his luck pianist struggling for survival and finding himself faced with difficult decisions is really terrific. The entire cast is first rate. It is very entertaining and a movie you'll be thinking of long after the credits roll. You'll be wondering to yourself what type of pressure would it take to make you commit the unthinkable act. Also, the colors of the film, from the dark insides of jazz clubs to the morning sun were just great and really helped make a person feel the atmosphere it was portraying. Great job.

It reminded me of Good Times (possibly mixed with some Charles Bukowski) while also remaining unique as well as entertaining through and through. I found it darkly humorous in a refreshing way. I'm not sure if it was the writer / director's intent (the same person), but it manages to satirize the human condition (my interpretation) without being self-indulgent about it. It's nice to watch a film that was made for more than the sake of the "bottom line." Unlike most movies, I don't feel like it didn't waste my time.

I look forward to seeing more work from Derek Presley in the (hopefully near) future.