American Scumbags is a gritty, raw and intense crime movie from 2016. Directed and written by Obin Olson, the film tells the story of two lifelong friends, Nick and Vince, who have just been released from prison. They soon find themselves caught up in a brutal underworld of drugs, sex, and violence as they attempt to start their life again on the streets of LA.
The opening scene sets the tone for the entire film, as we see Nick waking up from a drug-induced state in the back of a filthy van, surrounded by other desperate and broken human beings. From there, the movie takes no prisoners, as we witness the downward spiral of these two men, who are lost in a world where morals and ethics no longer exist.
The movie boasts an impressive cast of relatively unknown actors. Larry Bay plays Nick, the quieter, more reserved of the two friends, who is struggling to get back on his feet after his time in prison. Vince Bee plays Vince, the more outgoing of the two, who is always looking for the next thrill and has a tendency to get into more trouble. Nick Benning rounds out the cast as the violent and unpredictable drug dealer, Wade.
The film is shot in a very raw and edgy style, which works well with the gritty tone of the story. The camera work is shaky and sometimes hard to follow, but this only adds to the realism of the situations that the characters find themselves in. The lighting and colours of the film also give it a very bleak and desolate feel, which only adds to the sense of hopelessness the characters feel.
One of the strengths of this movie is the way it portrays the characters. No one is entirely good, and no one is entirely bad. Even the so-called "American scumbags" of the title have moments where they show a glimmer of humanity. It's refreshing to see that even in a movie that is so dark and disturbing, the characters are still multi-dimensional and complex.
The film is not for the faint-hearted, as it contains some very graphic scenes of violence and drug use. The sex scenes are also very explicit and are not meant for audiences under the age of 18. However, the movie never feels gratuitous, as everything that happens on screen serves to propel the story forward.
Another strength of this movie is the writing. The dialogue is authentic and believable, and there are some moments of dark humour that will catch you off guard. The pacing of the story is also well done, as it never feels like the movie is dragging. The suspense builds as the story progresses, and before long, you find yourself completely invested in the characters and their struggles.
One of the few criticisms of the movie is that it doesn't offer any real solutions or hope for the characters. This isn't necessarily a flaw, as it fits perfectly with the incredibly bleak tone of the movie. However, if you're looking for a movie with a happy ending or a clear-cut resolution, this isn't the movie for you.
Overall, American Scumbags is a must-watch for anyone who enjoys gritty crime movies. The disturbing subject matter and graphic violence may turn some viewers off, but those who can handle it will not be disappointed. The strong performances, raw direction, and solid writing make for a movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
