Shooting in Vain is a 2018 independent thriller film directed by Jared Januschka. The film stars Sean Downing as Walt, a struggling musician who finds himself involved in a dangerous game of cat and mouse with a mysterious woman named Daphne (Blue Haas). The film opens with a montage of Walt's mundane life, as he struggles to make ends meet by playing gigs at local bars and clubs. One night, while performing at a bar, he is approached by Daphne, who asks him to play a song for her. Afterward, she offers him a mysterious job opportunity â to provide music for a series of underground parties.
Despite his reservations, Walt accepts the job, hoping that it will be his big break. However, as he becomes more involved in the parties, he realizes that there is something more sinister at play. He finds himself caught up in a dangerous game of deceit and betrayal, as he navigates his way through a web of lies and half-truths.
One of the central themes of the film is the idea of trust â or, rather, the lack of it. Walt is constantly questioning the motives of those around him, and this mistrust ultimately leads him down a dark path. As he becomes more isolated and paranoid, his grip on reality begins to slip, and he must fight to hold onto his sanity.
Despite its dark subject matter, there are moments of humor and levity in the film. Much of this comes from Walt's interactions with his friend Ziggy (Sebastian Gregory), who provides some much-needed comic relief. The chemistry between the two actors feels natural and authentic, and their scenes together are some of the film's best.
The film is also notable for its use of music. As a musician himself, Januschka brings a keen sense of musicality to the film, and the soundtrack is filled with catchy, memorable tunes. The songs range from upbeat, energetic tracks to more somber, introspective numbers, and they help to set the tone for each scene.
One of the film's strengths is its visual style. Januschka makes excellent use of his settings, including several scenes shot in abandoned warehouses and underground clubs. The camera work is stylish and dynamic, with plenty of tracking shots and close-ups to draw the audience in.
However, the film is not without its flaws. At times, the pacing can be slow, and some of the dialogue feels stilted or contrived. Additionally, the twists and turns of the plot can feel a bit predictable at times. Nonetheless, the film succeeds in creating a moody, atmospheric world that is both compelling and engaging.
Overall, Shooting in Vain is a solid indie thriller that is sure to appeal to fans of the genre. While it may not be perfect, it is a well-crafted, well-acted film that is worth seeking out. With its mix of tense action, dark humor, and catchy tunes, it is a unique and memorable experience that is sure to stick with viewers long after the credits roll.
Shooting in Vain is a 2019 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes.
It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9.
