Inherit the Viper

Inherit the Viper is an absorbing crime drama-thriller that engages at the murky intersection of family dynamics and drug dealing. The diverse cast, starring Tara Buck, Margarita Levieva, and Lobo Sebastian, deliver compelling performances that underscore the narrative's underpinning tension and moral ambiguity. The film, having its premiere in 2019, is directed by Anthony Jerjen and captured in a well-directed atmospheric script written by Andrew Crabtree.

In this intricate web of crime, the story gravitates around the Kip Conley, played by Josh Hartnett, and his siblings, Josie, portrayed by Margarita Levieva, and Boots Conley, played by Owen Teague - the descendants of a blue-collar American family intertwined within the poisonous landscape of the rural opiate crisis. Forced into a life of drug peddling by the circumstances following their father’s passing, the siblings grapple with the grim realities of their occupation and its impact on their lives and their community at large.

Tara Buck, in her rivetingly versatile role, takes up the part of a secondary character who becomes entangled in the web spun by the Conley siblings. Lobo Sebastian, another secondary character, adds depth to the story with his stellar acting, contributing to the complexities of the opioid underworld.

Margarita Levieva, as Josie Conley, is more than a mere sidekick to her brother; she is a strong female lead who, despite living in a man's world, navigates the underworld with prowess and terrifying determination. Despite her tough outer shell, Levieva plays her character with a silent vulnerability, a tangible expression of the savaged innocence of their tarnished youth.

A significant aspect of Inherit the Viper is how it addresses the opioid crisis hands-on, exploring it both as a plot device and theme. The film doesn't shy away from the devastating toll the crisis has taken on small-town America - the communities being exploited, the families being torn apart, and the rampant desperation that underlies it all.

The cinematographer, Nicholas Wiesnet, in capturing the gritty atmosphere and somber tone of the narrative, brings the unparalleled aesthetic of the faded American dream. The use of low lighting, a palette of deep blues and grays, neatly accentuates the gloom, adding to the melancholic atmosphere that hovers over the entire film. Also, the film's location in the rural Midwestern United States effectively serves as a bleak but powerful backdrop to this dire narrative, becoming a character in its own right.

Though Inherit the Viper is essentially a crime drama, it also layers in elements of a classic family drama, as the siblings navigate their relationships and shared past, all the while wrestling with the moral and ethical dilemmas that come with their illicit occupation. The tale does not skirt their longing for a better life not chained to the whims of the trade; this longing acts as a central subtext throughout the film, making the narrative a compelling commentary on the sheer magnitude of the American opioid epidemic.

The film induces a slow-burning suspense that sneaks up on viewers, making it a compelling watch. While it sheds light on the dire social issue of drug abuse and its disastrous fallout, it doesn't promote itself as a social commentary film; instead, this thematic element adeptly folds into the narrative, serving the plot rather than overpowering it.

Primed with an atmospheric script, strong performances, and a profound social context, Inherit the Viper is a haunting portrayal of the repercussions of the opioid crisis and the struggles of a family entrapped in the drug underworld. The film's ability to humanize its characters—despite their criminal engagements—makes it stand out, providing profound insight into the lives disrupted by the scourge of opioid abuse.

Though unsettling, Inherit the Viper brings a thought-provoking and ultimately crucial narrative to life, shedding light on an ongoing crisis and managing to maintain viewers' engagement until the closing credits roll. The film examines the complexities of family bonds, moral dilemma, and societal doubt, making it an impactful viewing experience. It does justice to its subject matter while captivating audiences with its unwavering grip on the challenges of life against the backdrop of the American opioid crisis.