User reviews

The movie's opening slyly draws the viewer into the commentary on the inadequacy of our health care system and the desperation that it causes. The main characters are richly portrayed through the exceptional acting of both leading men, Rey Goyos and Michael Teh. Jennifer Prediger's depiction of a brittle woman was spot on, and added comic relief, as well as tension. The music was perfect, and the cinematography exquisite. Sarrow's screenplay confronts both our current health care system and the lack of ethics in the advertising industry. Sarrow's direction is tight, and wastes no time in creating tension between the two lead actors. He has brought out the complexity of the characters, and added multiple layers and differing perspectives. I await his next film. Hopefully, Sarrow will continue to confront the ills plaguing our society.

An incredibly entertaining and enjoyable movie that kept me on the edge of my seat. Sarrow's character development was impeccable. The narrative led me on an emotional rollercoaster, where my predictions of the plot line were immediately challenged over and over again. Just when you think you know what will happen, you find out you were wrong. It's amazing! The underlying themes of inequity in healthcare access and socioeconomic disparities had me and my partner discussing this movie for hours after we left the theater. The actors represented their roles beautifully. I recommend this masterpiece to all. I cannot wait to share it with family and friends, and will be looking forward to future films from Sarrow.

Really enjoyed the constant twists that this film provides. Just when you think you know how things are going to play out you're hit with a plot twist! I thought the actors did a tremendous job. The director really did an incredible job tying the film into real life dilemmas that people face every day. Especially when it comes to the inability to afford health care in the US. Also really thought the background music paired with the scenes added a really nice added element of suspense. If you enjoy phycological thrillers with plenty of twists and turns I'm confident you'll thoroughly enjoy this one!

Great writing and directing Michael Sarrow! The chemistry between Rey Goyos and Michael Teh is amazing. I haven't seen a film shot this well with two actors who own the screen in one room for the duration of the movie in a long while.

It was brilliant how both men emotionally tussled over the power dynamic. Good access to Healthcare is often overlooked by the privileged. Great depictions of how the privileged and the underserved both can both easily give in to human nature.

Great score by Gg Grigorian. The musical ensembles kept pushing the movie forward and had great escalation as the movie temperature rose.

I won't drop any spoilers... but this movie is certainly worth a watch!

....but first you must learn how to smile as you kill. I really enjoyed this suspenseful dark comedy. Smart writing that hit home on a lot of issues in today's society. Plenty of thoughtful details and interesting Easter eggs. Check out the lyrics to John Lennon's Working Class Hero to see where the film's title is from. The film pays homage to Ingmar Bergman and has a bit of a throwback vibe in a good way. I saw it at the Silicon Valley Film Festival in the Los Angeles Chinese Theater. I am excited to see what the writer director does next. I highly encourage you to check out this film and support independent film makers.

Wasn't sure what to expect going into this film. Ended up being a very interesting commentary on American consumerism, healthcare, and having your faith truly tested.

The two leads, while relatively unknown, turned in great performances and it's really the chemistry between the two of them that makes this film so riveting.

The tension is constant, but the humor lands so well that the tension doesn't overwhelm. There are a few twists and turns along the way that had the theater gasping in one moment and audibly elated the next.

It walks the fine line between comedy and tragedy in a way that I just found to be so brilliant. Highly recommend Smile as you Kill.

Rarely does a film explore the intersection of morality and survival with such precision. The dynamic between the desperate man and the ad director is explosive, each scene charged with tension and uncertainty. What starts as a simple hostage situation transforms into a heart-wrenching journey where both characters are pushed to their limits. The ending will leave you reeling, and the questions raised about ethics, marketing, and the human condition linger long after the credits roll. This film masterfully captures the lengths to which people will go when faced with their mortality. The terminally ill man's desperation is heart-wrenching, and his relationship with the ad director is fraught with tension, mistrust, and reluctant understanding. The film's exploration of how we value life-and at what cost-makes it much more than a standard thriller. Some parts drag a bit, but the emotional weight carries it through to a satisfying, albeit unsettling, conclusion.

I watched "Smile As You Kill" by Michael Sarrow, and WOW! 🎥 This movie has everything - suspense, emotion, and a dark twist that keeps you hooked. Rico Allende's (Rey Goyos) story is a gut-wrenching portrayal of human desperation, while Terry Tanner's (Michael Teh) character adds a layer of complexity and moral ambiguity that's hard to shake off, making this script a powerful commentary on society. As a movie, it promises to be a thought-provoking and thrilling watch. Get ready to question everything you think you know about right and wrong. This is not just a movie, it's an experience. #EmotionalThriller #FilmCritic #MustWatch.

The film's setup is unique and brilliantly executed. The lead characters share a tense chemistry that carries the film's suspense. While it explores interesting ethical questions about how far one can go to survive or help another, some viewers might find certain plot twists a bit predictable. However, the story's emotional weight, combined with strong performances, keeps it engaging from start to finish. Not for the faint-hearted, this movie balances raw emotion with edge-of-your-seat tension. The story feels especially relevant in today's age of viral marketing and online campaigns, questioning how much of what we see is truth versus manipulation. The lead actors shine in their roles, and while the pacing is sometimes slow, the payoff is worth it. It's a haunting reminder of the lengths people will go to when pushed to the brink.

A dark thriller that explores our modern obsession with virality and crowdfunding, this movie taps into the power of online influence with chilling intensity. The dynamic between the terminally ill kidnapper and the ad director feels authentic and deeply unsettling. The pressure mounts as both characters grapple with their consciences, and the narrative unravels layers of societal critique. It's a suspenseful, thought-provoking film, though at times the pacing slows. Still, the ending packs an emotional punch."Smile as You Kill" portrays not just physical survival but also the inner battles each character faces. It's a haunting and beautifully crafted depiction of resilience.

The film's attention to psychological detail and character depth creates a visceral portrayal of survival, where no one is simply a hero or villain. This film tackles war's brutal reality with unflinching honesty, presenting complex characters who grapple with decisions that test their very humanity. This film dives deep into human desperation and the lengths someone will go to survive. The psychological tension between the two main characters is palpable throughout, keeping you at the edge of your seat. The complex moral questions it raises about manipulation, ethics, and the value of life leave a lasting impression. While the premise is high-stakes, the performances ground it in raw emotion, making this a compelling and thought-provoking watch.

The author brings a terrifying array of smiles to life, each with a unique, twisted personality that dances on the edge of charm and danger. Through 900 complexly woven personas, the story dives deep into a world where a smile is never just a smile. Every single personality is so well-developed that you find yourself mesmerized by each individual's charisma, right before the story twists and reminds you of the threat hiding behind each grin. The book is a chilling study in deceit and allure. A narrative rich with 900 distinct characters, each wielding a smile that carries its own deadly promise. The story feels almost poetic in its handling of such complex personalities, making every smile as intriguing as it is threatening.

Each character's smile in Smile as You Kill is uniquely crafted, creating a vast cast of over 900 personalities that chill and captivate. From sly smirks to cold, calculating grins, every expression carries layers of deceit and menace. This novel unfolds with 900+ smiles that act as windows to their bearers' darkest intentions. Through subtle charm and hidden malice, the author brings an eerie tension to every interaction, making it a brilliant study in psychological manipulation. Behind every smile lies a twist. With over 900 distinct characters, this story explores the allure of charm laced with darkness. Each grin, from playful to sinister, builds an atmosphere where readers are constantly on edge, unsure who to trust.

In this darkly funny thriller, Smile as You Kill exposes the cracks in modern healthcare by following a man who takes drastic actions to fund his treatment. With an intense storyline, the film deftly balances suspense with biting humor, capturing both the urgency of survival and the absurdity of bureaucratic systems. Michael Sarrow has crafted a socially aware piece that challenges viewers to question societal values while delivering a thrill-filled experience. Smile as You Kill provides a unique mix of humor and intensity, addressing corporate and healthcare issues through the eyes of a desperate protagonist. With sharp dialogue and impactful performances, the film critiques how the advertising industry can prey on human vulnerabilities. Sarrow's direction brings a thoughtful layer to the narrative, making it as reflective as it is entertaining. This satirical thriller is a standout for audiences who enjoy films with both message and suspense.

Smile as You Kill is a daring film that navigates serious issues in the healthcare system with sharp humor and suspense. Sarrow's direction cleverly combines social commentary with thrilling elements, keeping audiences on edge while delivering a powerful message on survival and ethical compromise. With standout performances and a plot that's as tense as it is satirical, the film is as thought-provoking as it is unsettling, making it one of the more original indie films tackling relevant societal issues. Each character feels as real as they are complex, making this film a powerful examination of the choices people make in life-or-death situations.

This story paints a dark world with over 900 unique characters, each a master of charm hiding something sinister. Their smiles range from subtly unsettling to outright chilling, turning every scene into a tension-filled moment. The novel's expansive cast of over 900 personalities each brings a unique form of danger. Every smile hides intentions that range from mischievous to deadly, creating a relentless atmosphere where every grin is an enigma. In a world of over 900 vividly created characters, each smile serves as a facade, hiding the dangers lurking within. The author brilliantly captures the unsettling duality of charm and menace, making you question every character's true motives.

This film takes the modern-day obsession with viral marketing and spins it into a tense, high-stakes thriller. The ethical dilemmas faced by the characters are timely and thought-provoking, and the performances are strong across the board. While the pacing could have been a bit tighter, the emotional depth and moral complexity make up for it. It's a suspenseful and sobering look at what happens when survival is left to the whims of the internet. This film's characters grapple with loyalty, fear, and survival in a way that feels deeply honest, making it a standout war drama. Where Honor Meets Survival.

Smile as You Kill combines a suspenseful plot with biting humor, delving into the corporate influences that impact healthcare. Sarrow keeps the audience engaged with witty dialogue and a story that doesn't shy away from tough questions. The performances, particularly from Goyos, make the protagonist's plight both relatable and heart-wrenching. As the film progresses, viewers are invited to confront their own views on healthcare, making this more than just a thriller - it's a reflective journey through social issues. Sarrow's film takes on healthcare with a unique blend of suspense and dark comedy. In Smile as You Kill, a man's struggle for survival becomes a critique of a profit-centric healthcare system, revealing the harsh realities of modern-day survival. The film's tone is both entertaining and sobering, challenging viewers to think critically while keeping them entertained. Strong performances and Sarrow's insightful direction make this indie thriller a standout for those who enjoy films with both humor and substance.

Smile as You Kill merges suspense, dark comedy, and social critique to reveal the underbelly of corporate and healthcare systems. Sarrow's story of a man pushed to his limits has a satirical edge that cuts deep, asking the audience to confront uncomfortable truths about survival and morality. The film's pacing, character depth, and tension make it both gripping and thought-provoking. Its unique tone and clever writing elevate it to a must-watch status for those who enjoy thrillers with a social conscience. In Smile as You Kill, Sarrow tackles the tough topic of healthcare, weaving it into a suspenseful, satirical story about a man fighting for his life. The film keeps you on the edge of your seat while tackling weighty themes of corporate greed and ethical boundaries. The tension is expertly built, and the cast's strong performances add emotional depth. This is a movie that combines thriller elements with dark humor, making for an unforgettable film that's as entertaining as it is thought-provoking.

Smile as You Kill examines the failures of modern healthcare with a brutal honesty that is both unsettling and darkly humorous. Sarrow's direction keeps the narrative tense and thought-provoking, taking viewers through a story that exposes the unethical practices within corporate systems. The lead performance by Rey Goyos adds emotional complexity, making the protagonist's struggles feel raw and relatable. This is a thought-provoking thriller that delivers entertainment and reflection in equal measure. Smile as You Kill doesn't hold back in its portrayal of healthcare's darker aspects, delivering a thrilling story with satirical humor. Sarrow's film strikes a balance between suspense and social critique, using a protagonist's desperate actions to examine ethical boundaries. The result is an indie film that challenges viewers to think while keeping them entertained. This is a movie with bite, and for audiences looking for more than just a thriller, it's a standout choice with depth and relevance.

A refreshing take on dark humor and revenge, Smile as You Kill offers a captivating blend of suspense and satire. Each twist kept me grinning and guessing. This isn't for the faint of heart-but for those who enjoy thrillers with a wickedly playful side, it's a must-read. The story's protagonist, equal parts charming and ruthless, navigates chaos with a cool smirk. It's rare to find a thriller that makes you laugh while feeling tense, but Smile as You Kill delivers. In a genre dominated by grim stories, Smile as You Kill brings an unexpected levity, and I was here for it! Who knew revenge could be so fun? Every page crackles with smart dialogue and sharp, surprising turns.

Smile as You Kill is more than just a thriller; it's a deep dive into the moral compromises often seen in the healthcare industry. With biting humor and edge-of-your-seat tension, Sarrow offers a scathing critique of corporate greed and the cost of survival. The film's clever script and standout performances create an engaging experience that challenges viewers to reflect on the ethical concerns that shape our lives. This indie film is a refreshing take on societal issues, blended with humor and suspense. Laugh, Think, and Be Thrilled: A Satirical Look at Healthcare's Dark Side. Balances Satire and Suspense Brilliantly.

This dark comedy tackles the ethics of healthcare through the eyes of a man driven to desperation, delivering a gripping story that's as humorous as it is harrowing. Sarrow's direction brings a sharp edge to the narrative, keeping viewers engaged with its clever dialogue and suspenseful scenes. Goyos's heartfelt performance captures the protagonist's moral dilemma, making Smile as You Kill both a thrilling watch and a meaningful exploration of survival in a flawed system. Suspense and Satire Merge in a Powerful Commentary on Corporate Greed. Darkly Comic and Painfully Relevant: A Thoughtful Thriller with Bite.

Smile as You Kill delivers a unique take on survival in an unforgiving healthcare system. Through sharp satire and relentless suspense, Sarrow crafts a narrative that exposes the harsh realities of a system that favors money over humanity. Goyos's performance is gripping, portraying a character whose moral compass is challenged by the need for survival. The film's perfect blend of dark comedy and social critique makes it an unforgettable thriller, offering both entertainment and thought-provoking commentary on the cost of living. Biting Humor and Unrelenting Suspense Make for a Riveting Social Thriller.