First Kill

First Kill is an intense, captivating action thriller that was released in 2017, directed by Steven C. Miller. It boasts a powerful cast, prominently featuring the likes of Hayden Christensen and Bruce Willis, who both deliver performances that further glorify their decorated acting careers. Suitable for audiences eager to watch captivating action fare, the movie has suspense, thrills and promise of breath-taking plot development.

The movie introduces us to the character of a successful Wall Street broker, named Will (played by Hayden Christensen), who decides to take his family on a trip to the cabin where he grew up. This seems to be a perfect opportunity for him to reconnect with his teenage son, Danny (played by Ty Shelton), and enhance their bonding experience by a memorable trip down memory lane. Will's intentions to have a peaceful vacation are genuine, as he yearns to introduce Danny to the pleasure of simple, rustic life - a stark contrast from the flashy city life he has grown habitual of. However, little did he know that his pleasant retreat was about to take an unexpected, rather a dangerous turn.

The trip unexpectedly becomes a high-stakes game of cat and mouse when Will stumbles upon an assassination attempt gone wrong, leading him to face a band of ruthless criminals and making the tranquility of this setting a forgotten prospect. Will gets embroiled in a deadly grander scheme and finds himself amidst a dangerous web of deceit and corruption - dark aspects that this safe haven had carefully tucked away.

Bruce Willis impeccably portrays the role of the town's police chief, Howell. He's an experienced twenty-year veteran, seasoned in dealing with all types of criminal elements, particularly those the town has seen in the past. However, the current situation flips the script entirely, presenting Howell with a predicament that challenges him distinctly.

What elevates Howell's conflict is that these mysterious criminals have taken Danny as a hostage. This father-son duo’s peaceful vacation turns into a desperate mission to save one’s own flesh and blood from harm's way. Through these intense occurrences, the film reflects on the protagonist's capacity to do whatever it takes to protect his family, thus painting a broader picture of family love and determination.

The film is enriched with edge-of-the-seat action sequences and the plot takes an exciting and suspenseful direction that keeps the viewers engaged till the end. Filmmaker Steven C. Miller directs the movie with great precision, ensuring that the narrative doesn't divert from its core subject, i.e., the physical and emotional struggle Will goes through for his son's safety.

The thrill and excitement in ‘First Kill’ are paired with moments of emotion and introspection, capturing the transformative journey of a Wall Street broker to a desperate father willing to do anything for his son. It goes beyond being a pure cat-and-mouse chase, entering the realms of a dramatic thriller that digs into deeper themes of family, morality, and survival and how desperate times bring out the lengths to which one can go to protect their loved ones.

Apart from the impactful performances of the lead actors, the supporting cast including Megan Leonard, Gethin Anthony, and Ty Shelton cranks up the drama and suspense that keep viewers intrigued throughout the film.

On the technical front, the movie paints a genuinely striking picture, contrasting the serene, peaceful environment of the rural getaway against the chaotic, heart-pounding situations that unfold there. The cinematography and music successfully communicate the urgency and fear entrenched in the storyline, and significantly contribute towards building the suspenseful atmosphere which is another strong point of ‘First Kill’.

In conclusion, ‘First Kill’ is a captivating thriller that combines elements of action, suspense, and family drama effectively. Despite having the conventional elements that action thrillers are known for, it establishes its unique identity by delving into deeper themes of survival, family, and desperation. This movie serves as an engaging, suspenseful watch that articulates a hardcore city dweller's extreme lengths to protect his family when faced with sudden danger. With strong performances and a consistently engaging plot, ‘First Kill’ is a must-watch for fans of thrillers.