Above Ground

The 2017 film "Above Ground" is a riveting thriller injected with the stylized narrative of southern Gothic storytelling. Directed by Thomas Rennier and starring Clayne Crawford of "Lethal Weapon" fame, this motion picture does an excellent job of showcasing the gritty and raw aspects of rural Kansas and how everyday people caught in deadly circumstances can react.

"Above Ground" perfectly encapsulates the hard edges of love, greed, and survival that makes it stand apart in a genre mostly filled with stereotypical portrayals. It revolves around the lives of two protagonists, Dusty and Ainsley, whose journey of love and loss is embroiled in a whirlwind of crime, grief, and desperation.

Clayne Crawford essays the major role of Clay Adler, an unconventional character with his unique spontaneity and rugged charisma. With trouble simmering just below the surface of his seemingly calm existence, Clay is a man who knows his way around the back roads and desolate highways of the heartland state. Clay's charm is juxtaposed with an undercurrent of intense ruggedness that only amplifies as the movie progresses.

On the other hand, Heather Roop's powerful representation of Ainsley brings a refreshing, complex female character to the forefront of the story. She exudes a natural charm that is steeped in an undertone of desperation as the tormented wife of Crayton, portrayed by M.J. Brackin. Ainsley is headstrong, determined, and complex, and Roop effectively captures the essence of a woman caught in the crosshairs between love and survival.

The narrative drive of "Above Ground" takes off swiftly when Crayton's lust for easy money drags him into the morally grey underworld, giving rise to a series of events that draw in Clay and Ainsley in an intricate web of crime and passion. Their interpersonal relationships intensify against the backdrop of this heart-stopping chaos.

"Above Ground" is etched with a distinct Southern Gothic style, brilliantly exploring the darker side of human nature and society's decay amidst a brooding, bleak landscape. The vast plains, tranquil rivers, and small town's charm provide the perfect backdrop for events that are jarringly violent and psychologically twisted.

Carefully incorporating elements of suspense, drama, and romance, Rennier does a commendable job steering the narrative with expertly paced sequences and gently peeling layers of complex characterizations. The riveting screenplay is given further life by organic dialogue, deeply ingrained with a flavour of the South, which engrosses viewers in its authenticity.

Additionally, the cinematography by Kyle Stryker extensively complements the raw appeal of "Above Ground." His lens captures the startling beauty of rural Kansas through sweeping vistas, gloomy sunsets, and precipitous weather, adding gravitas to the narrative's thrill and suspense elements. The film's visual narrative is as much a character in itself as Clay or Ainsley, setting an evocative mood that stays with viewers long after the credits roll.

"Above Ground" rides high on skilful performances from the main cast members. Clayne Crawford's Clay is both mysterious and deeply human, making viewers root for him even while grappling with his morally complex choices. Heather Roop's portrayal of Ainsley is laced with vulnerability and strength, presenting an empowered woman navigating life's unpleasant surprises. M.J. Brackin plays Crayton with an enigmatic allure that is equally repelling and fascinating, punctuating the narrative with compelling moments of turmoil.

"Above Ground" is more than just a thriller; it is a study of rural America's fringes, their crude reality, and the desperate lengths people can go when pushed against the wall. The film's dark themes aren't just confined to the character's moral decisions but extend to the societal constraints that limit their choices, making it a compelling commentary on personal freedom and survival.

Overall, "Above Ground" promises an unforgettable cinematic experience for those who appreciate character-driven narratives, atmospheric thrillers, and Southern Gothic aesthetics. Rennier, Crawford, Roop, and the entire cast and crew's combined efforts have resulted in a movie that provocatively pushes audiences to confront raw human realities, making it one of 2017's strikingly authentic and intense thrillers.