Film Review - The List (2023)

Prepare to gasp, be uncomfortable and plummet into a series of high anxiety feels watching this thriller of socio-political turmoil and riot activity reminiscent to the legacy of The Purge (2013).

Focussing on a family in personal turmoil, one of them, Juan Torres (Fernando Abadie) a high-profile member of society is one of many on a rigid list that name individuals, all targeted to die in a free for all act of vengeance conducted by participating communities.

All this pandemonium occurs overnight during a set time period and is even covered by regular news bulletins. The city wide hunt is messy and desperation to hide is at a premium, somewhat impossible as phones are also being tracked for location purposes.

Sparking the escalated criminal activity from civilians is basically due to each person on the list has a shady background, most we see or hear through flashbacks or incidental dialogue. Its multi-layered narrative is not only ambitious, the dark nature of vigilante violence out of control is not easy to watch, especially as entertainment.

Still, the intensity that director Michael J. Hardy brings is a sleek mid-budget thriller with shocking results, in a good way! Mixing standard cinematography with restless sweeping shots across the murderous hordes builds the gorging verity.

Cast are all good, considerable note of shimmer amongst the mayhem was Paloma Vargas as Hope, she will stay on your mind, electrifies her every line; also Claudia Scavone as Sofia is as kinetic across the screen.

Inspired Fernando Abadie does well as the lead, despite his untrustworthiness, he apparently loves his family, so much so he cooks up a façade to keep them alive.

An overpowering finale brings forth minor solace, The List, is a traumatic drama that seems all too real. Not for all tastes, I was still quite surprised at what unfolded, your brow may need a wipe as end credits roll.