Review by Jon Donnis
"The Kill Room," directed by Nicol Paone, presents a darkly comedic critique of the art world, blending crime and humour in a storyline that follows an art dealer, Patrice (Uma Thurman), teaming up with a hitman, Reggie (Joe Manganiello), and his boss, Gordon (Samuel L. Jackson), in an accidental foray into the avant-garde. The film manages to strike a balance between silliness and charm, though it falters in parts.
The film commences with a slightly awkward introduction, but as the plot unfolds, it gains momentum, presenting a clever narrative that navigates the complexities of art, crime, and financial desperation. The storyline finds its footing as Gordon proposes a money laundering scheme that inadvertently thrusts Reggie into the art world's spotlight.
The main cast's performances stand out, anchoring the film and making it enjoyable to watch. Uma Thurman, although starting with a hesitant stride, quickly finds her comfort zone, portraying a character grappling with dire circumstances. Jackson and Thurman deliver captivating performances, portraying charismatic yet flawed characters, adding depth to the narrative.
The film's strengths lie in its engaging plot and the creative interplay between the art world and criminal activities. The witty satire and well-executed dark humour keep the audience invested, leading to a satisfying finale that embraces the absurdity of performance art intertwined with bloodlust.
However, the film stumbles in its final scenes, pushing the satirical premise to its limits. Despite this, the audience is compelled to overlook these minor missteps, ultimately enjoying the ride and relishing the outstanding performances, particularly from Jackson and Thurman.
In conclusion, "The Kill Room" is a darkly humorous exploration of the art world's underbelly, blending crime and comedy. With a sturdy main cast and an engaging narrative, it's a film that manages to entertain while providing a thought-provoking commentary on the intersections of art and criminality.
I score The Kill Room a solid 7 out of 10
Out now on digital at
Apple TV - https://apple.co/3ZJMlke
