Steel and Lace is an exciting thriller movie that was released in 1991, directed by Ernest D. Farino. The story revolves around a woman named Tanya (Clare Wren) who is left devastated by the suicide of her brother, a computer engineer, who was humiliated and ruined by a group of business executives, including Gary Stockwell (Bruce Davison).
Determined to have her revenge, Tanya consults with a team of advanced robotic researchers and computer programmers who create an android replica of her brother, complete with his memories and personality. Tanya sets into motion a plan to make Stockwell and the rest of the men involved pay for what they've done by sending the robot, programmed to kill them one by one.
The protagonist, Tanya, is a strong-willed and determined woman seeking revenge for the death of her brother. She pieces together what happened to her brother, moving through different obstacles along the way as she learns the truth about what happened to him. While the movie does offer some character development for Tanya, it spends more time showing her as a cunning and cold-blooded individual as she works on her mission of revenge.
Gary Stockwell, played by Bruce Davison, is a businessman who was involved in the disgrace of Tanya's brother. Davison plays the role of the villain convincingly, oozing with a sinister aura throughout the movie.
The android replica of Tanya's brother is an impressive creation and serves as both the movie's plot device and a metaphor of the themes of the film. The concept of trying to recreate someone who died and eventually achieving this, is something most of the audience can relate to. Nevertheless, this robot does not have the same personality as Tanya's brother, and it can become confusing when watching. In some parts, it is hard to tell if it is the robot or the actor who is playing the character.
Steel and Lace has its moments of action as the robot relentlessly hunts down the businessmen who were involved in her brother's untimely demise. The scenes of the android stalking and killing its targets are well-choreographed and add to the suspense and intrigue of the film.
The setting of the movie is in California in the early 90s, and the locations used, such as the laboratory of the robotic scientists, serve as the ideal contrast to Tanya's cold determination.
The music in Steel and Lace plays a significant role in providing a surreal setting and creating suspense. The soundtrack's tone varies, from eerie and unsettling music when the robot is about to attack its targets, to more upbeat and synthetic music that accentuates the robotic nature of the action.
Overall, Steel and Lace is an intriguing thriller that offers a unique perspective on obtaining revenge, with the use of the robot as a metaphor for how people use technology to get what they want. The film has an enjoyable cast of characters, with Clare Wren delivering an excellent performance as the determined protagonist. The action scenes are well-executed, and the soundtrack adds an eerie, futuristic atmosphere to the setting. Fans of 90s action-thrillers and science fiction will enjoy watching Steel and Lace.
