solacemills

Tiger House (2015)

Unforgivable Plot Point- Watch if you're desperate and willing to stomach it

Don't know how taboo it is to review a movie if you couldn't even watch the majority of it but I'm going to do it anyways.

Within about 5 minutes I had to just cut my losses. In those first 5 minutes, a glaringly unbelievable, and for me unacceptable, plot point was established. The main character (didn't make it far enough into the film to find out her name) played by Kaya Scodelario is seen in a cutesy, home-video situation with her boyfriend as they record each other in some field. In this scene, they introduce Kaya's character as being a pretty serious gymnast, or at least seriously dedicated to it. She states that she wakes up early (at 5 am) to train for two hours,daily. She turns down a cigarette when offered, says she doesn't drink either because she has to keep in shape for gymnastics. I will reiterate again, she is maintaining her body because it is necessary for her sport. It's clear, it matters to her...a great deal.

After that exchange, cut to her boyfriend pulling out an antique crossbow that he pretentiously claims he had to bring back in pieces from France (I say pretentiously as Kaya's character had previously called him posh, which I believe is synonymous with pretentious). Kaya's character expresses disinterest, and even discomfort with him wielding the crossbow. He proceeds to try to goad her into trying it out. He loads the crossbow and then as anyone who has never and should never wield a crossbow does, he plays around with it inching towards her with it LOADED. The crossbow isn't in frame anymore, Kaya's character is protesting loudly. At this point I paused and wondered, I knew someone was going to be shot but who? I hoped for the idiot boyfriend however, I could not have that simple wish granted. The crossbow misfires and strikes Kaya's character, the gymnast, in the leg.

Let me remind anyone reading (doubt it'll be many), it's obvious that gymnasts especially need their legs to do gymnast things. Being shot in the leg by a crossbow at close-range is needless to say, a career-ending injury. Now I'll get to the point that was truly unbelievable, they have their credit intro and then cut to Kaya sneaking into the house of the very boyfriend who had just previously shot her in her leg. I'm sorry but no relationship, even a "crazy" teenage one , could withstand being shot in the leg by a crossbow. Add to that the fact that the counterpart shot in the leg was as stated before a pretty serious gymnast. I just couldn't wrap my mind around how they expected me to believe that the relationship would have continued after something like that. People break off relationships for less, and if there were ever a reason to end it: your significant other shooting you in the leg and essentially ending any and all hopes you had for your career in gymnastics would be a pretty big #1.

With that, I could not withstand this film and after reading other reviews I'm glad I didn't continue watching past that point as they all seem to express similar sentiments, it was terrible. It was unfortunate the actors had to deal with material so dismal, but I'm sure whatever check they got was worth it.