WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
First, the Recap:
The lure and power of enticement. It’s almost an art form when these traits are utilized to bring out the usual desired result, mainly when associated with the feelings between two people in love, the magnetism a potent, driving force. Yet, there is also a more bewitching side to this attraction that, if enabled for more nefarious purposes, can also lead to the consequences of one’s actions. Employing such beguiling tactics to full advantage, a woman named Erica Tate (Elisha Kriis) and her novice partner Lauren (Ellie Patrikios) deftly navigate the upscale city bar scene with intent to catch unfaithful men, ensnare them, then steal what they have as an object lesson in the repercussions of infidelity.
Despite Lauren’s overall hesitations in what they do, Erica’s cold, calculating methods still net them plenty of profit, especially on one evening when Erica gains an unexpected bounty via a victim named Purcell (Danny Arroyo) that equals the score of their lives. Choosing to lay low in an isolated island town where Erica maintains a safe house, the two ponder what comes next, even as Ellie becomes involved with the island’s newly appointed lawman Mike (William Mark McCullough) and Erica with another potential target, Tom (Riccardo Berdini). However, when an enigmatic stranger (Barry Piacente) seems to begin causing trouble for the two thieves, it soon becomes apparent more is at stake for Erica and Ellie, including their very lives.
Next, my Mind:
Delivering a straightforward, uncomplicated, well-paced, and solidly entertaining effort, director/producer Amariah Olson and co-director/executive producer/cinematographer Obin Olson’s 84-minute dramatic crime adventure may lack some of the overt grandeur in production value found in many a mainstream film, but don’t let this lessen or take anything away from the overall product provided. The beauty of independent cinema, for this reviewer anyway, is often found in the imperfections a project may illustrate, because one should appreciate the sheer passion, heart, drive, and determination it takes just to make a movie, much less see it distributed in any larger way beyond festivals. The Olson’s tale of one woman’s crusade to “punish” men who she’s found are unfaithful in their actions while trying not to let it show the toll it might actually take on her own soul is plausible enough, even as her current escapade ends up potentially costing her, her partner’s, and others entering their circle their well-being. It shines a light on what it is to be unfeeling and devoid of being loved by anyone beyond the surface, yet also ends up showcasing chinks in this hardened exterior thanks to having to suddenly be concerned about others instead of just oneself. The visual look here is smooth and well filmed, fully utilizing pristine Georgia land and seascapes for what become the primary backdrops once the main narrative is established. The action here at times felt a little underwhelming relative to what was intended, but again, it all works out fine in the grand scheme of events unfolding. As stated above, it’s the effort that’s key.
Kriis is a highly suitable actress to enact the role of Erica, a single-minded, intensely beautiful, and cunning femme fatale who decisively exploits every facet of her being to entrap the men she targets, solely to have some fun with them before inflicting her own sense of justice. She does this with impunity and no second thought of how any of it will affect her prey, as she believes they are getting precisely what they deserve. Yet, when one such “mission” not only yields an unanticipated reward but also a inherently deadly price, Erica must face the ramifications of her own actions while likewise caring for another and preserving her carefree, icy demeanor. Yet, as her plight unfolds and becomes a “who can I even trust” scenario, her own suppositions about those involved get turned on their head, leading to betrayal, revelation, and a glimpse of a softer heart within. Kriis navigates all of these emotions with a calm, often understated delivery that makes her performance effortless and engaging to watch, a credit to an indie actress striving to further make a name for herself in a tough genre of the film industry.
Patrikios also brings forth a good effort here as Ellie, Erica’s newbie partner in crime who certainly has reservations about what she’s gotten herself involved in. While still going along with Erica’s schemes, it becomes more apparent while the pair are in exile that her notions about how she would prefer to live her life go well beyond a dangerous criminal world and more towards a nice, far less stressful and possibly life-threatening existence, made even more clear once she meets and falls for Mike, much to Erica’s unemotional, indifferent consternation. There are emotional and dramatic moments where Patrikios’ delivery felt just a bit forced, but not enough to cause any true distraction, still giving us a fine result and a character we honestly root for to achieve an escape from “the life”, as she’s so much more the “girl next store” with a sincere heart rather than a hard-boiled con.
Supporting turns here were well done, featuring Arroyo as Purcell, a man whose own misfortune at Erica’s hands becomes the catalyst for larger events developing, McCullough as island policeman Mike, an affable soul who falls for Ellie hard and who has to endure some of his own hardships once immersed in the women’s world, Berdini as Tom, a wealthy finance rep who manages to catch Erica’s attention just a little beyond her usual “no commitment” M.O., yet who could possibly be more than he appears, and Piacente as the stranger to the island who raises not only suspicion for Erica and Ellie, but may even have deeper ties to the proceedings than is knowns as well. In total, “Body of Sin” is a worthy indie feature film effort that should be taken at face value and appreciated for the effort it is, a stable crime drama with likewise credible acting, fun story, and a message that resonates more than you might think. Was it the greatest indie film ever? Of course not. But, folks, does it have to be to find basic enjoyment and perhaps a deeper acknowledgement of those out there trying their best to find success? Maybe it’s time to support them and their dreams.
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
