By Romey Norton - February 14, 2025
In the heart-pounding action thriller The Bouncer, director Massimiliano Cerchi introduces us to Frank Sharp, a fugitive seeking refuge in Romania. Portrayed by John Ozuna, Frank takes on the unassuming role of a nightclub bouncer, hoping to keep a low profile. However, his plans take a dramatic turn when he intervenes to save Silvia (Rosmary Yaneva) from an abusive situation, only to discover that she's entangled in a human trafficking ring. Their daring escape sets off a relentless pursuit by nefarious forces determined to reclaim their captive.
The drama and action starts right away with a short fight scene outside a nightclub. Some of the language is cheesy and more comedic than expected - which is welcomed in between serious moments. From here the film's pacing is brisk, filled with moments of tension and suspense. The use of dimly lit locations such as alleys and nightclubs offers a gritty and atmospheric setting, enhancing the story's dark undertones.
There’s some very decent acting in this independent thriller. Ozuna delivers a gripping performance as Frank, balancing the character's hardened exterior with moments of vulnerability. Yaneva's portrayal of Silvia adds depth to the narrative, capturing the desperation and resilience of a woman caught in dire circumstances. The chemistry between Ozuna and Yaneva is convincing and sometimes quite powerful. Simon Philips is worth a mention as he’s very impressive on screen - bringing fierce energy to each scene.
The Bouncer treads familiar territory in the action genre with well-choreographed fight sequences and a narrative that delves into the grim realities of human trafficking. However, the sound and character development needed more work for the audience to properly invest. At times the sound was gritty, overly echoed and not mixed very well which was off-putting at times. This may have been a creative choice, but it didn’t work for me.
The car chase scene was a little underwhelming, visually. The music was spot-on and vamped the energy up, but the actual driving and stunts were basic. However, there is a helicopter case/fight scene later which makes up for it. The score throughout is well chosen as the music builds the tension and helps drive the scenes along.
As the story continues the script does well in keeping the audience intrigued and invested, by not giving away too much information. The ending might be predictable, but it is still entertaining. There’s an intense cat and mouse chase as they’re closing in on Frank and Sivia and there’s moments where you worry they might not make it out alive. Of course, in true cheesy action-thriller style, Frank saves the day and whilst the future is unknown, the two share a kiss and go off into the sunset.
Overall, The Bouncer offers a gripping ride filled with suspense, action, and a touch of heart. It's a testament to the idea that even those on the run can find redemption in the most unexpected places. If you’re looking for an easy, fun action-thriller film, The Bouncer is one to watch.
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