Groupers is a thought-provoking and thrilling independent film that was released in 2019. The film is directed and written by Anderson Cowan and stars Nicole Dambro, Peter Mayer-Klepchick, and Cameron Duckett in the lead roles. The movie is a unique blend of comedy, drama, and suspense that explores themes of gender, sexuality, and morality in a bold and creative way.
The story follows two college students, Alex (Dambro) and Meg (Mayer-Klepchick), who hatch a plan to kidnap and torture a homophobic classmate as punishment for his prejudicial beliefs. However, things take a twist when their plan goes awry, and they end up capturing the wrong person. Instead of their intended target, they kidnap and torment a charismatic and intelligent man named Joseph (Duckett), who challenges their beliefs and forces them to confront their own assumptions and prejudices.
What follows is a gripping and sometimes uncomfortable exploration of power, privilege, and morality. The three main characters are complex and well-rounded, with each of them harboring their own secrets and motivations. Alex is a determined and intelligent young woman who is deeply committed to her cause, while Meg is insecure and unsure of her role in the group. Joseph, on the other hand, is a manipulative but charismatic figure who uses his wit and charm to turn the tables on his captors.
The performances in the movie are excellent, with each of the actors bringing their characters to life in a way that is both engaging and believable. Dambro is especially impressive as Alex, delivering her lines with confidence and conviction while also conveying the vulnerability and doubt that lies beneath the surface. Mayer-Klepchick is also excellent as Meg, giving a subtle and nuanced performance that captures the character's confusion and inner turmoil.
One of the most striking aspects of Groupers is its bold and provocative approach to themes of gender and sexuality. The movie challenges traditional ideas about masculinity and femininity, and explores the ways in which these ideas can be limiting and harmful. It also takes a critical look at homophobia and bigotry, exposing the insidious ways in which these attitudes can be perpetuated.
Despite its heavy themes, Groupers is also a very funny movie. There are plenty of moments of levity and humor throughout the film, which help to balance out the weightier moments. The humor is often dark and ironic, and serves to underscore the absurdity of the situation in which the characters find themselves.
The cinematography in Groupers is also worth mentioning. The movie was shot on location in Los Angeles, and the city is used to great effect in the film. The camera work is stylish and dynamic, with lots of interesting angles and shots that keep the viewer engaged. The music and sound design are also effective, helping to create a tense and suspenseful atmosphere that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.
Overall, Groupers is an impressive and provocative film that explores important issues in a bold and creative way. The movie is well-written, well-acted, and visually impressive, and is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers. Whether you're looking for a thought-provoking drama or a tense thriller, Groupers is definitely worth checking out.
Groupers is a 2019 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 49 minutes.
It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.3.
