This Deviation Goes Down the Wrong Track: A Movie Review

Director: J.K. Amalou.

Cast: Danny Dyer, and Anna Walton.

Actor Danny Dyer tries a new character in J. K. Amalou's Deviation. Instead of the usual Cockney hood, Dyer plays it up as a an escaped psychopath named Frank Norton. Rarely is Dyer menacing in this picture. Deviation is meant as a thriller; yet, much of the tension is missing as Norton's hostage, Amber (Anna Walton), has little to fear from Dyer's Midlands swagger. Thus, Deviation unfolds in a fairly tepid manner. A few interesting film elements light the way, but essentially Deviation was sunk at the casting stage with the story also faltering.

Deviation is a film of kidnapping. Norton has escaped the local hospital after a vicious stabbing. A convicted murderer, Norton continues his killing spree as if his rehabilitation never happened. An ex-con is the first offed. Wearing lipstick in front of Norton is a death sentence. Norton also meets a nurse early in the film. His introduction includes a carjacking and confinement. The next seventy or so minutes is much like a murderous road trip set over 12 hours.


And this might not be a road trip that you want to take as the film rarely twists or turns. The film moves ahead in a pretty linear fashion with Norton showing his strange love for his hostage. He likes to lock Amber in closets. The film might be moving forward, but it does not know where it wants to go. Every plot device acts as a distraction. A dropped note asking for help acts as filler. The thin message, if there is one, does not give the film much impetus. So, Deviation just seems to saunter forward without intention.

Equally unmotivated is actor Danny Dyer. In his first scene, Dyer attempts menace. Afterwards, he seems to forget that his character is a convicted killer. Where is his maliciousness? Dyer seems like he would rather ham it up for the camera rather than play a complex character. His facial expressions are often one of blankness and his eyes do not project evil intent, ever. Surely there was someone better equipped to play the blackhat.

This lack of menace or foreboding is what sank this film for this reviewer. There was very little tension between the characters Frank and Amber despite actress Anna Walton's believably terrified performance.

The writing of the film is average. There seems to be these contrived conflicts sprinkled along the way. Characters are given little backstory. The dialogue is unimpressive and Deviation relies on some impromtu bloodshed to keep things interesting. The gore from knife wounds is not enough to hold the film together. Deviation simply needed a straighter path instead of its sideshow distraction style of narration.

Deviation is only recommended for the most diehard thriller fans. Fans of Dyer will see his same old schtick. Released in the United Kingdom earlier this year, Deviation is not a trip that most will want to take. If you do see the film, then picture someone else in the lead role such as Tamer Hassan or Ray Winstone. Dyer's performance is just too middle of the road. So, when you see an exit sign for this movie, put the pedal to the floor and don't look back. Otherwise, that Cockney accent will haunt you late into the night.

Overall: 5.75 out of 10 (Amalou's directing style is great especially at night, a small film, no message, acting is so-so).

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Posted in: 2012,danny dyer,movie review,revolver entertainment,revolver entertainment group,united kingdom