In the wake of the heart-wrenching news surrounding the demise of his only son, a grief-stricken patriarch embarks on a quest for retribution against those responsible in the independent thriller The Post.
The narrative unfolds along the familiar lines of an age-old saga: a mourning parent seeking vengeance against those who inflicted harm upon their offspring. This archetypal tale resonates deeply with many, prompting contemplation on whether one would seek out personal justice if faced with the malevolence that befell their own offspring. While the overarching theme may be a well-worn narrative, director and writer Justin Hunt infuses a distinctly contemporary essence, deftly weaving the usage of social media applications into the plot intricacies, interwoven with artfully crafted twists and turns.
In the early sequences of the film, a poignant moment transpires between Jeff Sanders (portrayed by Angus Benfield) and his son Jake (embodied by Zachariah West) as they converse, making plans to attend a live Metallica concert. Though seemingly brief, this scene adeptly captures the tender bond shared between father and son. However, the narrative takes a grim turn when Jake fails to return home within a reasonable time frame, eliciting concern from his mother, Brooke (played by Kimberly Bigsby). The anxiety transforms into a harrowing nightmare the following morning, as the Sanders family is visited by the police, bearing the devastating news of Jake’s death near a wooded area. The plot thickens when Jake’s sister Penny (Abbey Hunt) chances upon an online video depicting the savage assault on her defenseless brother.
Jeff endeavors to bring the perpetrators to justice, sharing the video with the investigating police. Yet, the culprits remain unidentified, prompting skepticism from law enforcement. Undeterred, Jeff identifies one of the assailants in a local newspaper—a prominent football star. His efforts to alert the authorities prove futile, and soon thereafter, the footballer, named Dicky, meets an untimely demise, which is then followed by the deaths of the other assailants Jeff identifies from the video.
Clocking in at just under two hours, The Post boasts a longer runtime for an independent thriller, yet the narrative captivates in such a way that time becomes an inconspicuous element. Despite uncertainties regarding the budget allocation, the film exhibits a visual grandeur that surpasses its likely financial constraints. Noteworthy cinematography and imaginative scene compositions, such as the one depicting the Sanders couple receiving the devastating news from the police officers, contribute to the film’s perceptible quality.
The principal cast delivers commendable performances, with Benfield, Bigsby, and Hunt embodying the depths of depression and desperation with finesse. The audio is also consistently crisp, complemented by a compelling score courtesy of composer Shaun Hettinger.
Having recently graced screens in select American cinemas, The Post beckons for a broader audience, advocating for a resurgence of interest in independent cinema. A cinematic endeavor deserving of attention, it stands as a testament to the potential hidden within the realm of lesser-known films. Should it grace a theater near you, seize the opportunity, secure a ticket, and partake in the immersive experience of this decent little thriller.
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