The Vindicator Review
Promising start has interesting opening credits backed by some gratifying score accompaniment from established composer Robert Mai, into early scenes introducing our three main characters, hosts of true crime podcast Serial Chat, Ava (Anna Greene) Brad (MacCallister Byrd) Tommy (David W. Rice).
The popular podcast they host is going on the road to Arizona in preparation for a live broadcast in an actual murder-house location.
Welcomed to the property by a family member who gleefully talks up the sordid history of the homestead, a large farmhouse complete with barn and horse stable, the trio are simply stoked to be there showing no fear, yet.
A current serial killer who has a pattern covering all territories and states is known as The Vindicator, this on-the-loose executioner is the focus of the content makers, however tables are turned when they become victims of a sick mind game turning physical.
Mid-podcast recording, locked in a confined space The Vindicator or someone claiming to be him/her gives the hosts an ultimatum through CB communication pitting the friends against each other in a game of terror and truth.
Premise sounds good so far right?
Well….. there’s a structure which must have looked on paper and may have made a frantically intriguing short-story or novella. Unfortunately, the unfolding suspenseful vibe in its entirety does not carry through becoming non-thrilling, overwhelmingly pointless and particularly annoying by the blood soaked finale.
Ava and Brad are in a tumultuous relationship that gets exposed throughout, whilst Tommy obviously adores Ava, they all have a history of misdemeanours of various kinds that all all brought to the light through games and questions by The Vindicator via the trusty CB (Citizens Band) radio.
Shocking, practically done gore is somewhat effective, especially Greene splattered in blood with acid-burned hands, how she got to that point will remain spoiler free. Acting definitely has spark, all three leads display energy amongst their afflicted proceedings.
Keep an eye on mannerisms by Sean Berube as Professor Lance as a guest on the pod. Surprisingly Ava kisses him on the head near the beginning, an intentional plot device or random moment, you be the judge.
Sadly a twist was clear before happening, thus highlighting the ridiculousness of it all. Even the short running time still manages to drag, watching people talk on camera on a faux pod is too common now on a daily basis to transfer as entertainment in a film.
Efforts by the indie filmmakers are commendable to make a relatively structured horror, critiquing excessive true crime culture becomes transparent as a message.
★ 1/2
Out on Digital HD from 19th January \ Chris Maher, Anna Greene, Dez Chuchiara, Sean Berube, David W.Rice \ Dir: Luca Patruno, Brandon Sherrill \ Miracle Media \ 18
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