Monday, May 2, 2016

Film Review: Green Room

Year: 2016

Director: Jeremy Saulnier

Writer: Jeremy Saulnier

Cinematographer: Sean Porter

Cast: Anton Yelchin, Alia Shawkat, Joe Cole, Callum Turner, Patrick Stewart, Imogen Poots, Macon Blair

Country of Origin: USA

Rating: R
Time: 95 mins.

Jeremy Saulnier's Green Room has been my most anticipated film of 2016 since it premiered at TIFF last year and it's finally here! Saulnier has a knack for creating engrossing and gripping stories surrounding the theme of vengeance as seen in his previous film, Blue Ruin. Green Room centers on a punk-rock group who's just ending their not-so-fantastic tour when they book an unexpected gig in an abandoned warehouse. After witnessing a murder, the band is forced to fight to the death against the group of maniacal neo-nazis who runs the place. Sounds like my worst nightmare is just about to come true. Yikez!

If anyone could make you shiver in your boots and gag with fear, it's Jeremy Saulnier. When talking about the vicious cycle of vengeance, Saulnier is a master on covering all side of the spectrum whether his characters are on the right or wrong side of the situation. It also hones on the ethos of being a punk rocker in all it's DGAF and vagabond lifestyle. The story seamlessly ties everything together to tell one unforgettable story that is grounded in realism and is powerful in execution and style. Saulnier never lets me down and Green Room is undoubtedly one of the best films of 2016. Get your weapons ready because this film is one hell of a ride!