It is Not Only the Pace that Kills in Green Room: A Film Review

*full disclosure: a Blu-ray screener of this film was provided by D Films.

Director/writer: Jeremy Saulnier.

Cast: Anton Yelchin, Joe Cole, Alia Shawkat, Callum Turner, David W. Thompson, Mark Webber and Macon Blair.

Green Room is Jeremy Saulnier's third film and this reviewer has seen all three. Since Murder Party (2007), Saulnier's films have become progressively more violent. Green Room is even more gory than 2013's revenge thriller Blue Ruin. Throats are slashed, people are shot and still - there is no justice; one villain survives this brutal and quick paced story. As well, Green Room is notable as being one of actor Anton Yelchin's last films. His end was tragic, but he lives on here. Green Room is a strong indie outing and film fans should see this shocking title.

There is no shortage of gruesome moments in Green Room. The film begins with the punk band Ain't Rights. They are on a road tour, in the great Northwest. Pat (Anton Yelchin), Sam (Alia Shawkat), Reece (Joe Cole) and Tiger (Callum Turner) are the bandmates. Their showing at a skinhead compound quickly turns to violence. They see a murder and the skinheads do not like witnesses. Soon, the band is covered in red, with Pat receiving first blood. His dangling arm will keep this reviewer up late. Other characters meet even worse fates. Pitbulls really like the meatier parts of the human body. All of the bloodshed fuels further violence. It also drives the story onwards to its brutal conclusion.

Patrick Stewart plays the skinhead leader - Darcy.

Saulnier's newest story moves along at a quick clip. This film fan has often noticed - if you can get a film to move ahead, at speed, then it can rarely fail. And, Green Room moves from scene to scene with purpose. A few transition shots of rotating fans or of air ducts can become confusing. However, most of the film is driving two groups of characters together, with force. Even Saulnier mentions in the director's commentary that "this is a battle." And, battles do not saunter about, not winning ones at least. The same rule applies for compelling films, like this one.

For this critic, it was strange to see Anton Yelchin in one of his final films. Yelchin met a tragic ending in June of this year. Still, he lives on in Green Room. A compelling actor, Yelchin's character is the protagonist of this feature and worthy of note. And, as William Shakespeare wrote in Sonnet 55 "the living record of your memory;" he carries on in film. While Yelchin is deceased, he will be seen for many years to come. This is a statement to film's ability to immortalize actors and their creators.

Green Room recently released on Blu-ray (July 12th) and this title is not to be missed. It is full of tense scenes, in a darkened bar. Here, it is a struggle to survive. Fast paced and full of conflict, Saulnier brings a strong and memorable picture to the screen. Yelchin will also be remembered, thanks to Saulnier's work. As well, the film's make-up effects are unusually realistic. Gruesome scenes are made of throat-tearing nightmares. And, this film fan will look out for future films, from this ground-breaking writer and director.

Overall: 8 out of 10.

Shakespeare's Sonnet 55: Sonnet 55 on Creativity and Immortality

A Red Band trailer for the film is available here: A Red Band Trailer for Green Room on 28DLA

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Posted in: 2016,brutal,gory,gruesome,horror,horror movie review,indie horror movie review,movie,movie poster,movie review,thriller,violence