Wednesday, April 20, 2016

The Rise of Action in Daylight's End: A Film Review


*full disclosure: an online screener of this film was provided by director William Kaufman.

Director: William Kaufman.

Writer: Chad Law.

Cast: Johnny Strong, Lance Henriksen, Louis Mandylor and Chelsea Edmundson.

Daylight's End is another collaboration between director William Kaufman (Sinners and Saints) and actor Johnny Strong. This time, events take place in a future world, where a devastating pandemic has turned the world into a haven for murderous cannibals. The film blends a number of genres, with action elements forefront. Meanwhile, Strong's score helps amplify the violent events onscreen. However, the film, admittedly, borrows from several films in the genre. Daylight's End is an exciting feature, in which the focus is on action and less on dramatic characterizations.

The story begins with the character Rourke (Strong). Three years after a virus has decimated the world, Rourke is searching for revenge. He seeks the Alpha, a vampiric strongman. His hunt leads him into one small western town and eventually into Dallas. Here, he temporarily teams up with a group of militarized survivors. Their plan is escape. But, hundreds of sun-phobic cannibals lay in wait.

There are at least three genres in the film; though, the action genre is most prevalent. The popularity of zombie films and television series has influenced this production. Somewhat like Jim Mickle's Stakeland (2010) and even like John Carpenter's western influenced Vampires (1998), monsters dominate the land. The zombie sub-genre menaces the screen, also. Hundreds of villains run down city streets. As well, horror influences can be seen in the dark settings and jump scares. Much of the film takes place at night. And, around every corner, another creature is ready to grab one of the characters. Still, this is really an action film. Writer Chad Law's background is heavily steeped in the action genre. Law knows how to create intense, bullet flying scenes. The quick action focused pacing keeps the film's energy in an up tempo state. The blend of genres will draw a wide gamut of viewers to the film.

This film fan was wowed by the original soundtrack, from the central actor - Strong. The musical selections are almost of a western as Rourke battles one demon, on his own. A shootout, in a remote town, also brings in more gunslinger chimes. As the film transitions into a second act, the soundtrack becomes more dramatic. The music takes a back seat as the characters develop an escape plan. In action sequences, the musical tracks amplify the battles as the tempo increases. Even the ending offers a surprise as vocals are introduced, possibly by the composer himself. The soundtrack consistently drives and amplifies the emotional content of the film.

Film fans will notice the influences of several other films in Daylight's End. In a brief discussion, Kaufman has mentioned how films such as The Omega Man (1971), Assault on Precinct 13 (1976), and the The Road Warrior (1982) have seeped into the story. These influences can be seen in Rourke's vehicle and costume choices. As well, plot points from The Omega Man, related to survival and enclosed environments can be seen in a viewing. Though, this viewer was reminded of another - Jeff Renfroe's The Colony (2013). Both The Colony and Daylight's End involve survivors housed in near impenetrable settings as cannibals abound outside. A large brooding cannibal leader drives the conflict and action in each film. Fans of the post-apocalyptic film genre will see how films of the past are continuing to influence new films in the post-apocalyptic film genre.

Daylight's End rolls onwards via a film festival run. This title recently had its World Premiere - in Dallas. Another appearance is slated for the Texas Frightmare Weekend. And, film fans are encouraged to get down to Dallas, for this second showing. Though light in theme and characterizations, Daylight's End and the creators know what their strong points are: action sequences and terrifying scenarios. Consistently uptempo and full of great musical selections, the film creates a compelling and thrilling atmosphere. And, this viewer will be first in line, when the film is released in home entertainment formats; this tense film is not to be missed.

Overall: 7.5 out of 10.

*the film also stars Gairy Cairns (Malignant) and MMA fighter Krzysztof Soszynski.

A trailer for the film is available here, on 28DLA: A Daylight's End Trailer on 28DLA

A fan page for the film is available here: Daylight's End on Facebook

Recommended release: I Am Legend at Amazon


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