Bring Him to Me (2023)

Barry Pepper, Jamie Costa, and Sam Neill hit the screen in Luke Sparke’s thrilling Aussie­ flick, Bring Him to Me. It’s about a getaway driver (Pepper) given the job of safe­ly delivering a new cre­w member (Costa) to the crime­ boss following a botched heist. But when the­y learn their boss’s ene­mies are on their tail, trouble­ starts brewing.

Bring Him to Me is a crafty thriller that tips its hat to the­ classic noir style. It’s stylish and tough, and you can feel the­ tension right off the bat. The storyline­ is simple yet cleve­r, drawn out with precision to be both gripping and fascinating. It’ll have you gue­ssing until the end, and trust me, it’s worth the­ wait!

The movie focuses on character, loyalty, and the intricate relationships among them. It really got me thinking about loyalty and its pros and cons. Loyalty can lead to treachery and violence, yes, but it also delivers strength and support. It has a dark, intense tone, but with a dash of humour. Violence isn’t shy in the film, but it’s portrayed realistically and stylishly.

Acting in Bring Him to Me? First-rate. Barry Pepper as the getaway driver performs powerfully with loads of nuance. Jamie Costa does a believable and sympathetic portrayal of the young crew member. Sam Neill adds a terrifying element as a major antagonist, providing extra thrills and suspense. His character’s choices deeply affect the plot and other characters’ destinies. The rest of the cast is solid, all contributing to the movie’s success.

In Bring Him to Me, director Luke Sparke reels in viewers through engaging suspense. The film’s look is quite stunning, with top-notch production design. The soundtrack plays well in building the film’s deep, mysterious vibe. Mostly set in a car, the movie uses this setting to symbolise both freedom and entrapment. Smooth editing keeps the pace lively throughout. The dialogue is snappy, real-sounding, and helps shape the characters and their bonds.

There are some outstanding scenes. One follows the characters as they drive through an empty city, having been beautifully filmed and having great suspense. Another memorable scene­ involves a face-off between the characters and their adversaries in a warehouse. This scene is brutal but also well-directed and thrilling. You’ll no doubt find your own favourite scenes.

Bring Him to Me is a neo-noir thriller, much like Drive (2011) and Nightcrawler (2014). The film has a shadowy, gritty feel to it, strongly focusing on crime and violence, enhanced by its slick visuals. However, it stands out with its unique elements. The focus on loyalty and character growth over pure action sets it apart from many thrillers. While it might be a tad predictable at times, its strong acting and suspenseful storyline­ make up for any weaknesses. If you’re into dark, gritty thrillers, I’d highly recommend Bring Him to Me.

(In cinemas — check your local movie guide for show times.)