By Jon Donnis
This September, brace yourself for a spine-tingling experience as The Group, a psychological thriller directed by William Higo, makes its highly anticipated UK debut on digital platforms. The film, which garnered significant attention at FrightFest 2022, promises to deliver an adrenaline-fueled ride as it explores the dark and chaotic descent of an addiction support meeting into a life-or-death struggle.
The Group centres on Kara, portrayed by Evangelina Burton, a recovering heroin addict who faces the daunting task of returning to her support group after a six-month absence. Haunted by a past tragedy, Kara hopes to find redemption and make amends. The session, led by the compassionate counsellor Ellen (Alicia Novak), includes a mix of characters, each grappling with their own demons: Seth (Luke Dayhill), who claims sobriety; Henry (Tom Coulston), a sceptic of self-help; Charley (Jennifer Aries), two years clean; Eddy (Nobuse 'Jnr' Uwaifo), still battling addiction; and Dave (Mike Kelson), a former police officer.
However, the group's fragile sense of security is shattered by the arrival of Jack, played by Dylan Baldwin, fresh from his role in Dune Part Two. Jack, armed and dangerous, brings with him a personal vendetta that threatens to unravel the group's efforts towards healing. As the tension escalates, hidden truths and old wounds surface, forcing the characters to confront their pasts in a bid for survival.
Critics have lauded The Group for its intense and gripping narrative. The Hollywood News describes it as "a tightly wound intimate thriller... raw and emotional study of grief and guilt... captivating." Bloody Flicks praised the film's direction and pacing, calling it "a claustrophobic snappy thriller... an ice cream sandwich of Requiem for A Dream and Dog Day Afternoon." Meanwhile, Film-News recognised it as "a solid debut" for Higo.
%20copy.jpg)
With its UK release slated for 2 September 2024, courtesy of Reel 2 Reel Films, The Group is set to captivate audiences with its portrayal of the dangerous and often unpredictable journey of recovery. As the characters navigate their way through fear and chaos, viewers are left questioning whether redemption is ever truly possible, or if some wounds are too deep to heal. Don't miss this white-knuckle thriller that promises to be one of the most talked-about films of the year.
