1 Percent

1 Percent is an Australian crime drama film released in 2017, directed by Stephen McCallum. This highly intense and riveting movie circulates around the licentious, intense, and risky world of outlaw motorcycle gangs. The vivid, colorful expressions and gritty, raw visual storytelling make it apparent that this is more than a simple crime drama, it is a powerfully emotional message about honor, loyalty, brotherhood and personal redemption.

The film stars Ryan Corr, Abbey Lee, Simone Kessell, and several other notable actors lending their talents to create a tense and engaging narrative. The film opens, embedding viewers in the heart of the disarrayed Copperhead Motorcycle Club.

Ryan Corr plays the lead role brilliantly as Paddo, the club's vice president, who has been thrust into leadership while the club's president, Knuck, portrayed by the eerily enchanting Matt Nable, is in prison. Paddo is revealed to be highly capable and well-respected within the gang; his innovative ideas and strategic mind allow the club to thrive during Knuck's absence. But, this sudden ability to lead and maintain control starts to become an issue to the returning club president.

Abbey Lee stars as Katrina, Paddo's fiercely loyal and ambitious girlfriend, who keenly realizes the precarious position they are in. She expertly provides emotional depth, revealing a cunningness and ambition that quickly evolves into manipulation, forcing Paddo into complicated decisions about his future. Supporting actress Simone Kessell engages the viewers with her performance as Hayley, Knuck's wife, who is not only the matriarch of the club but also helps to navigate the lines between loyalty, hierarchy, and personal desires.

The tension accelerates when outsiders threaten the club's operations, and Knuck's mounting insecurities and disregard for Paddo's strategic approach set the stage for a brutal power struggle. This club, built on the rocky foundations of loyalty and respect, begins to splinter under the weight of deceit, anxious alliances, and power plays that could tear it apart from the inside. The tension is woven into scenes charged with potent confrontations, and the script’s raw, visceral language explores the crucial costs of love, loyalty, and respect within a brotherhood built around crime.

Paddo quickly finds himself caught in a complex web of loyalties more binding than the law itself. He must navigate the fierce politics of the gang while also dealing with threats from rival factions. The film's title, 1 Percent, is a nod to outlaw motorcycle groups' terminology, referring to the belief that only one percent of all bikers are law-breaking rebels, which is symbolic of the gang's self-perception in a society that views them as outcasts.

The character arcs are finely crafted, showcasing personal growth, stark desperation, and grim determination, contributing to the film's intense atmosphere. McCallum’s direction, paired with scriptwriter Matt Nable's storytelling, capture the harsh reality of gang life in a devastatingly close way, refraining from glamorizing the outlaw lifestyle while also providing empathetic depth to its central characters.

This strapping crime drama draws elements from the classic genre, presenting a stark sight into modern-day outlaw motorcycle culture, offering not just a series of thrilling action sequences, but a tragic exploration into human nature and destructive loyalty. It’s fraught with violence and betrayal, highlighting the power struggles and brotherhood that define such an environment.

The cinematography is striking, with the harsh beauty of the landscape starkly juxtaposed against the gritty reality of the characters' lives. Between the strong performances, compelling storyline, and visuals that stay imprinted on your mind, 1 Percent is an impactful movie that leaves a lasting impression. It's a fierce ride into the brutal world of motorcycle gangs, a story about power dynamics, and a startling examination of loyalty, making it a must-watch for fans of crime drama.