How We Got Away With It

How We Got Away With It, directed by Jon Lindstrom and released in 2014, is an independently-produced crime drama that probes the depths of the human psyche while weaving its thrilling narrative. The film abstractly explores the concepts of guilt, friendship, survival, deceit, and the incalculable lengths some individuals would go to safeguard secrets.

At the center of the movie is the intriguing character of Henry, played by McCaleb Burnett, who is a young man suffering from the aftermath of an undisclosed personal tragedy. Burnett's performance delivers a captivating portrayal of a man dealing with loss, grief, and a burning desire for revenge.

The narrative is set within the intimate conclave of a group of friends whose lives seem ordinary at first. The movie starts off as a reunion film, with friends coming together every year during a weekend in late summer. However, this particular reunion is not just a casual gathering. It has undercurrents of named and unnamed tensions, fuelled by an unfortunate event from the previous year. The highly anticipated reunion swiftly turns into a chaotic scene that spirals into a world filled with secrecy, deceit, cover-ups, and eventually, a shocking crime.

Also present in this complicated web is the character of Sean, played by Jeff Barry. Barry brings in a unique dynamic to the ensemble with his sketchy and compelling performance as the close confidante of Henry. Sean's unwavering loyalty unfolds and fleshes out as the plot thickens. Barry successfully unravels his character's loyalty to his friend, showcasing an intense internal struggle driven by inherent morality and fierce camaraderie.

The character of Sarah, portrayed by Cassandra Freeman, adds an additional layer of complexity to the narrative. As the only woman in a group of men, Sarah does not take a backseat to the male characters. On the contrary, she is an important player in the events that unfold. Freeman excellently displays her character's strength, vulnerability, and intelligence, making her role pivotal to the plot's progression.

How We Got Away With It has been lauded for its successful amalgamation of drama, thrill, and crime into one gripping narrative. Produced under the banner of Hardball Entertainment, the movie raises several poignant questions about the morality of friends protecting each other and the lengths they can go to ensure their secrets remain buried. Albeit being an independent film, it holds its own with the nuanced performance of the cast and a well-crafted storyline that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats.

The film explores its narrative through a neutral lens, leaving room for the audience to form their own judgments. It introduces many situations where it becomes difficult to sidestep moral ambiguity. This approach adds to the film's overall appeal, engaging viewers in the narrative right through its climax.

Although the film strongly focuses on the dynamics among the group of friends, the movie subtly yet effectively addresses broader issues of guilt, vengeance, justice, and their psychological impacts. The direction, combined with the superb performances, keeps the viewers questioning which direction the plot might take next. The entire narrative is set at a steady pace, never revealing too much yet always hinting at a significant discovery around the corner.

The excellent cinematography matches the movie's tense and unpredictable tone, with fantastic use of natural locations to create a contrasting backdrop to the harsh realities occurring in the foreground. The score complements the aesthetic and tone of the movie perfectly, creating an atmosphere that helps elevate the suspense and tension built within the storyline.

In conclusion, How We Got Away With It is an engaging indie drama filled with suspense and thrill. With its superb cast, nuanced storytelling, and compelling narrative, it is a film that grabs attention from the get-go and leaves the audience wondering what could possibly come next, right up to its climactic conclusion. It is a must-watch for those who appreciate independent cinema and theorize about the blurred lines between right and wrong.