Cheap Thrills is a 2013 black comedy thriller that tells the story of Craig (Pat Healy), a struggling family man who is recently been laid off and is struggling to make rent. To make things worse, Craig discovers an eviction notice on his door which sets him on a despair-ridden journey looking for help. The universe seems to answer his prayers when he bumps into his old friend Vince (Ethan Embry), a loose cannon who invites him to have a drink at a bar. Both their worlds collide with that of wealthy couple Colin (David Koechner) and his erratic wife Violet (Sara Paxton) who is celebrating her 30th birthday.
At the bar, Craig bumps into Colin, who overhears him talk about his money problems. Colin invites him and Vince to his posh home and the drinking festivities begin. Colinâs party tricks and his wife's sexually suggestive remarks set the tone for what looks like a fun night out. However, things take a dark turn when the party animals are offered cash prizes if they willingly carry out certain dares.
The rules of the game are set and the increasingly inebriated foursome set out to complete the dares from Colin's regular invitation to a game of 'would you rather' gone all the way awry. Initially hesitant, the foursome soon gets drawn into the game, realizing each task completed earns them more money. However, as the dares get more heinous and dangerous the thrill of making easy cash eventually gives way to a realization of the dire consequences of their actions.
As the night wears on and the cash prizes grow increasingly large, the foursome starts to spiral out of control. Their desperation for cash overpowers their judgement leading them to do things they deeply regret. The outrageous tasks set out by Colin demand a costly price, pushing the foursome to the brink of their sanity.
The movie paints a vivid picture of desperation and the lengths people are willing to go through to make ends meet. Cheap Thrills shows the vulnerability of people at their lowest points and how greed can corrupt even the most decent of people.
The film is an intense character-driven drama that explores the lengths people will go to benefit themselves financially, even if it means sacrificing their own morals. It depicts human nature and how people are often driven by their base needs, even when they know the outcomes are of their own destruction.
The acting in the film is excellent, with the main cast delivering a convincing and authentic portrayal of their respective characters. Pat Healy's portrayal of Craig, the desperate family man, is especially captivating. He perfectly conveys the character's deepening desperation and the subsequent moral decline that ensues as he seeks to provide for his family.
The setting of the film is also noteworthy, as it perfectly captures the wealth gap between the cast of the film. The smoky, dim-lit bar, the comfortable yet cold home of Colin, and the eerie outdoor night setting, all add to the ominous atmosphere of the film.
In conclusion, Cheap Thrills is a dark and gritty film that exposes the savage side of human nature. The story is thrilling and leaves the viewer glued to the screen as the night unfolds. It paints a vivid picture of how money and the thirst for wealth can impact the human psyche. The relatability of the characters and the setting of the film add to the overall authenticity of the story. In short, if you are a fan of dark and thrilling film noir, then Cheap Thrills is a must-watch.
Cheap Thrills is a 1993 sport movie with a runtime of 56 minutes.
