WATCH THE TRAILER HERE
WATCH THE FILM HERE
First, the Recap:
“We have history”. Stated most commonly when an individual is referring to another, asked about some form of previous interactions or past association. It also tends to reveal a possibly tense relationship, one that might not have ended so amicably, and that has left scars upon the one who felt most scorned. But, how drastically will this notion be put to the test when said history is one NEITHER party was actually aware of from the start? In the city of Madison, WI, two hit men–Tony “Two Toes” (Matthew Kenner) and Douglas Supreme (Douglas Montoya) find themselves engaged with the same contract to take out a controversial Senator (Aaron Rathbone). As the two men bide their time in a shared suite at a local hotel, the conversations and events that ensue will not only define each of them for who they are, but also manifest a revelation that neither saw coming.
Next, my Mind:
Socio-political commentary clashes with a bluntly raw, unflinching, darkly “Seinfeld”-esque atmosphere that becomes a twisted yet strangely relevant morality tale through this indie feature film effort from writer/director/producer/editor/cinematographer/composer Austin Galante along with associate producer Douglas Montoya, admittedly taking two characters you should honestly not find any relatable facets with and instead smartly creating an unsettling aura of relatability to them, which is ultimately what should keep you engaged. Now, for this critic, the GENERAL tone and content in the film had certain extremes/elements that went a little beyond what I would normally prefer to take in as far as being entertained or remaining fully attentive without being a tad distracted by what was unfolding. Yet, as I personally always strive to do, we need to look UNDER the surface and realize just how intelligently astute the film actually ends up being.
With this narrative, it sees two hit men coming into contact with each other, contracted for both the same job AND a mutually booked (accidental, or?) hotel suite they’re using as a base of operations for the job the following day, that evolves into a total exercise in random non-sequitur conversations about, well, nothing AND everything while unveiling who they really are as people outside of their shady profession. Again, it’s still a blunt exercise in unfiltered viewpoints, yet what makes it so oddly funny is the matter-of-fact demeanor the two men exude IN talking about whatever comes to their minds, whether agreeing or not agreeing, believing the other is nuts at points, or otherwise enjoying the downtime to decompress and calmly talk over WHY they’re really in town to ensure it all goes to plan. This total bouncing around of conversation IS what keeps this film on track without otherwise just being some average, plodding, directionless effort.
Hence THIS is where the multitude of thematic adventures takes off with a vengeance once the two men settle into their “night before” routine, and also why I made the TV show reference above, as it really IS to so many extents that study in talking about nothing while making it viably witty and pertinent to the story at hand. PLUS, it ends up being even MORE absurd yet totally hysterical when one of them hires a prostitute to come to the suite and who ends up contributing to their contemplations! We’re privy to thoughts equating to the banter associated with the actual hit they’re in town for, previous jobs and how they felt about or rationalized the validity/invalidity of them, the corruptions and/or issues with corporate America, greed, upbringing and having had a hard life shaping who we are, debt, illegally working, religion, patriarchal mentalities and the degradation of women, fear-mongering, fake news, monopolies, legalization of certain things deemed “bad” for society, judgement/misguided attitudes, even time travel (!) and other subjects all end up being expounded on during this ONE night.
PLUS, this doesn’t then include the MAJOR plot point revelation that comes about between the two men that is both jarring AND disturbingly funny only in how the reactions to it they have are deftly unexpected and so “ah well, hazards of the job”-centric. It’s quite brilliant, honestly and that’s all I will say! I think what again makes it effective is just how much this narrative ends up being a story of two people learning about each other in the context of their personal and professional lives, and if anything, it IS human connection we all need more OF. Wouldn’t wish for this particular scenario to be the catalyst for better associations with others, but you get my point. Also, depending ON your personal sense of humor and/or tolerance for certain magnitudes of the aforementioned graphic nature of dialogue and other aspects here, it might be a challenging watch for some, and it does require patience as well, since it is a slower-burn but purposeful execution we’re given. And how it all wraps up in the finale seemed so overtly straightforward, it was almost a disappointment. BUT, it DOES make sense in the scope of events depicted.
Kenner and Montoya very much work well together here, a tandem unit and mix of understated energy combined with well-executed comedic sense that aids in fueling the dual atmosphere of mirth and dramatic intensity via their roles as Tony “Two Toes” and Douglas Supreme, two hit men at the top of their game who get booked for the same job, and then the same hotel room the night before they’re to carry out their mission. Finding the downtime needed, though, the pair soon find themselves launching into practical and humorously impractical choices and conversations to pass the time while also finding out about each other, culminating in a shocking reveal that will impact their camaraderie–or will it? I did enjoy how Kenner’s more high-strung yet focused manner he infuses Tony with so perfectly collides with Supreme’s completely causal/laid-back approach that defines Douglas’ character, and subsequently how it pushes the things they talk about along in the ways it does. It is a solid pair of performances by the actors throughout, and they do make the characters ones you end up interested in.
Primary supporting players arrive first through Genia Dulot as Sugar Plum, a Russian prostitute whom Douglas chooses to have come to “visit” him and yet who also ends up this totally adept conversationalist more than willing to weigh-in on social and political matters! It’s frankly quite hysterical how she weaves her way into their situation once a part of it, and Dulot makes it obvious, at least to this critic, that she relished the character. Austin Galante himself, as if he didn’t have enough to do in this film (see above!) makes a show of himself in front of the camera as well via his appearance as Velvet, a flamboyant and not-totally-there arms dealer who shows up at Tony’s request to bring the “goodies” for the men’s job the following day. Velvet also ends up wishing to get Tony loosened up a bit, much to the latter’s concern. It’s a brief yet undeniably comical effort Galante puts forth, at it befits the character and the grander aura of the film well.
Aaron Rathbone gets the honor of playing the Senator, the target of Tony and Douglas, though of course unbeknownst TO him. An apparent deal he’s attempting to put through has put him in the crosshairs of those who don’t wish it to pass, with Rathbone playing the character as simple and uncomplicated as called for. Additional appearances are made by DJ Fusion, Anthony Montoya, and Mitch Muenster. So, in total, “Suite Killing Machines” is a decently achieved, candidly forthright, character-driven dark dramedy that puts its character’s profession on the back burner to a degree in order to explore the inner workings of two very different men, their life perspectives, and the mutual connection they possess that gets exposed through their current circumstances. If anything, might it actually teach us that human connection IS something to be embraced, perhaps even more so when initially shared factors bring us together and we give it a CHANCE to shine?
STAR RATING (out of 5):
As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
