Badsville

Badsville is a gripping, emotionally charged drama from 2017. Directed by April Mullen, this unique and gritty film blends elements of the gangster, romance, and family drama genres while pushing the envelope of independent cinema. The film stars Ian McLaren, Benjamin Barrett, and Tamara Duarte, whose performances bring depth and edge to this tale of love, loyalty and sacrifice.

The compelling narrative of Badsville revolves around a tough, tightly-knit community known as 'Badsville' - a poor, working-class neighborhood in an unspecified town, which is wholesale dominated by rival gangs. The town earned its moniker due to its harsh conditions and the violent realities its young inhabitants must face.

Ian McLaren excels as the film's brooding protagonist, Wink - a member of the feared gang, the 'Badsville Kings'. Wink is a man of contradictions. On one hand, he is a rugged individual with a stellar reputation for his brawling skills and loyalty to his gang. But beneath this hardened exterior, he is also a dutiful son dedicated to taking care of his ailing mother, who is his last remaining family. This unique dichotomy forms the crux about his character's arc.

Respected and feared in equal measure, the Badsville Kings are a symbol of power and resistance. The audience gets a glimpse of their intrinsic code of morality that goes beyond the law, a binding ethos that dictates their lives and decisions. When Wink's mother passes away, it triggers a chain of events that forces him to reassess his life's priorities.

Benjamin Barrett brings energy to the role of Benny, Wink's best friend and a fellow Badsville King's member. As someone who has been steeped in the gangster lifestyle since his youth, Benny is a fierce defender of their ways. His staunch belief in the gang philosophy and his dedication to Badsville, coupled with his unbridled loyalty to Wink, provide some of the film's most tense moments.

Actress Tamara Duarte stands out as Wink's love interest, Suzy. She is a beacon of hope and dreams in the brutal landscape of Badsville. Suzy's narrative is deeply intertwined with the essence of their community, and her presence injects a ray of hope into Wink's bleak existence. Her entry into Wink's life is the catalyst that sets him on a path of self-realisation, pushing him to question his choices and reevaluate his future.

"The Badsville Kings" Mojo, played by Robert Knepper, and "Aces" Froggy, played by Rene Rosado, complement each other, creating a unique dynamic. Mojo, an older hand, provides a unique perspective on youth crime, while Froggy represents the passionate, hot-blooded members of the gang who seep into violence effortlessly.

Overarching themes of loyalty, love, and the pursuit of a better life permeate Badsville's narrative. It smartly juxtaposes the brutal reality of gang life with a love story that shows us a different side of Badsville. Director April Mullen, known for her work in films that traverse different genres, confidently handles the different, contrasting aspects of the narrative.

Mullen’s storytelling abilities together with the crisp cinematography by Russ De Jong successfully encapsulate the grim vibe of Badsville while also brilliantly highlighting the emotional subtexts of the characters and their relationships. The score by Simone Cilio further enhances the atmosphere and the grim realities of the film, providing an auditory journey that matches the visual intensity on screen.

Throughout its runtime, Badsville forces its viewers to confront their own perception of crime and love. It explores how the violent persona ordinarily associated with gang members contrasts with their capacity for genuine love and kindness. It does this in a way that doesn't romanticize the violence but rather, humanizes its characters and brings forth their layered personalities.

In conclusion, Badsville is a hard-hitting film that explores the complexities of gang life and love amidst societal prejudice, family, loyalty, and friendship. It artistically brings forth the grim realities of a society relegated to the fringes, making it an unmissable cinematic experience. The film leaves viewers with profound questions about life, morality, and choices and is a testament to the storytelling potential of independent cinema.