This is an example of a perfect low budget film. Faced with budget limitations talented filmmakers will find a way to embrace and capitalize on their limited means, either utilize the constraints imposed upon them or to work around them in such a way that they are not glaringly thrust into the limelight. In this way great films can be created regardless of the limitations imposed upon the production. Would it be a better film if more resources were available to the same cast and crew? Of course. But as it stands it's far more than good enough.
This is cleverly written with believable, interesting characters. They might surprise us with their actions, but they never behave in uncharacteristic ways - which is especially rewarding as it's easy to see where many high budget Hollywood films would have betrayed their own characters in the interest of "that's how we always do it", or "it's what the audience expects".
By showing clever restraint the film has minimal but effectively staged (and gruesome) violence, which is perfectly in keeping with this gritty thriller. When I say gritty, this movie is tough! It's not called Cold Blooded for nothing and I don't want to say anything about the shocking moments because I don't want to spoil the punch to the gut they deliver!
Intelligent, suspenseful and full of neat twists that feel real as opposed to "written", the performances are all top notch, the direction tight, I honestly can't find a thing wrong with this for a change, and you don't know how much that pleases me.
And, for the record, the only reason I am not scoring it a solid 10 is because I am saving that for films that are not only expertly crafted, but have the additional intention and ability to do more for their audience than merely entertain. This isn't an "important" movie, it just is one helluva good one!
