Downrange

Downrange is a 2017 survival horror thriller directed by the exquisite genre-cinema auteur, Ryuhei Kitamura, the man behind films such as 'Versus' and 'The Midnight Meat Train.' The film, boasting a solid cast including Kelly Connaire, Stephanie Pearson, and Rod Hernandez, is a masterclass in tense and close-quarters horror-making.

The film unfolds in the sun-scorched rural backwater roads of America, where time seems to have stood still, and danger lurks around every corner. It begins with six college students on a road trip. The travelers include the athletic Keren (Stephanie Pearson), health-conscious Sara (Connaire), and the jock, Todd (Hernandez). Other members of the group are the likable though irritable Jeff (Anthony Kirlew), honest Jodi (Alexa Yeames), and Eric (Jason Tobias), the appointed leader of the group. They are a diverse group brought together by college friendship, youthful optimism, and a shared love for the open road.

Their carefree journey takes a terrifying detour when they suffer a seemingly accidental tire blowout in the middle of a desolate stretch of country road. However, things take a turn for the terrifying when they realize that the tire blowout was not an accident but a result of a targeted shooting by an unseen sniper hiding in the distance.

From then onwards, Downrange becomes a tense survival drama that plays out in real-time. The college students make themselves as small as possible behind their vehicle, too terrified to run for cover elsewhere and uncertain of their sniper's location. Over the course of the movie, their camaraderie, strength, and survival instincts are put to the extreme test as they try to outwit the ruthless and seemingly motiveless sniper.

Director Ryuhei Kitamura skillfully uses this simple, albeit overbearing, premise to create a gripping atmosphere of dread and suspense. He meticulously crafts a series of exceptionally staged scenes, each more nerve-wracking than the last, escalating the tension and paranoia to an almost unbearable degree. He exercises an impressive control over the narrative pace, rhythmically alternating between moments of silence and sudden bursts of violence. He treats the barren stretch of road and the killer's apparent omnipresence as characters in their own right, merging them seamlessly into the narrative.

Meanwhile, the performances of the relatively unknown cast members add significantly to the overall impact of Downrange. Kelly Connaire delivers a breakout performance as Sara. Her transformation from an easygoing young woman into someone fighting fiercely for her life is a compelling watch. Stephanie Pearson, as a tough and determined Keren, shines with unwavering courage in the face of danger. Rod Hernandez also gives a noteworthy performance as Todd, effortlessly exuding the brash confidence and immature bravado of his character.

Aesthetically, the movie is starkly beautiful, with its sun-drenched landscapes becoming the perfect backdrop for the horrifying events on screen. The cinematography is meticulous and thoroughly immerses viewers into the story. The sparse rural surrounding and desolate highway not only intensifies the feeling of isolation and dread but also allows for unexpected startling moments. Furthermore, the film's gore factor is high, with some truly graphic sequences that are not for the faint of heart.

Downrange is not your typical survival thriller. Instead, it is a potent combination of the survival and slasher genre, with an inventive twist. It delivers a tense, nail-biting experience that echoes the classic horror and thriller genres, but with a distinct modern bleakness. Downrange is a ruthlessly efficient thriller that never eases up on the pedal, keeping the audience on the edge right until the final moment.

In conclusion, with its engaging cast, suspenseful narrative, and some genuinely shocking moments, Downrange is a must-watch for the fans of the genre. It offers a brutal, unflinching gaze into the heart of darkness that lies at the intersection of violence and survival. This film not only showcases Ryuhei Kitamura's mastery over the genre but also solidifies his reputation as an innovative and bold storyteller within the landscape of contemporary cinema.