If you're looking for a deep dive into storytelling, Allan Northern's "Save The Cat" masterclass on YouTube is a must-watch. That's where I first discovered "The Brotherhood", his debut film. While I was expecting a full-on masterclass in low-budget filmmaking based on his YouTube videos, I found a decent action thriller with surprisingly well-executed fight sequences.
The premise is simple: a young assassin wants out of the violent world he's been thrust into. But, as you might expect, things don't go as planned.
Now, as an aspiring filmmaker, I appreciate the ingenuity of making the most of limited resources. Northern does a good job of this in "The Brotherhood". However, the film's biggest drawback is its amateurish acting by the non professional cast and it detracts from the believability of the characters, especially when portraying seasoned assassins. Also, the story could have had more clarity and focus.
That said, the film's action sequences are a standout. Northern clearly has a knack for choreographing intense fights, and the attention to detail is impressive, given the low budget.
I hope to see more from Allan Northern in the future. With the lessons learned from "The Brotherhood", his next film could be even more impressive. While this debut is a decent effort, a more focused narrative and better acting could have elevated it to new heights.