Knuckledust

Knuckledust is a gripping thrill ride of an action thriller that was released in 2020. This film marks a significant shift in the action genre, exploring the world of underground fighting and the gritty, lawless sides of society. It stars Kate Dickie, Phil Davis, and the towering 7'2" actor Olivier Richters known as "The Dutch Giant," among others.

The story revolves around an elite and top-secret fight club called Knuckledust. The plot thickens when the police force, led by Detective Inspector Katherine Keaton (Kate Dickie) and by the hardened veteran and her right hand, Detective Sergeant Ernie Sidney (Phil Davis), storm into a five-story building, only to stumble upon a bloodbath. All they find is a lone, barely living man - Hard Eight (Moe Dunford).

The film thrives on raw, unfiltered action and mystery. Who is Hard Eight? Is he a victim or a villain? And most importantly, is he the only survivor of a deadly battle that saw multiple casualties? These are questions that confront the investigators as they try to connect the dots. The scenario becomes increasingly complex as Hard Eight refuses to cooperate, leaving the officers with only their instincts and the clues left behind.

While Kate Dickie's character, Kathrine Keaton, tries to unravel the web of deceit and corruption, she continuously meets resistance from all quarters. Her encounters with the nameless male monolith known as 'Mr. Mouse', played by Olivier Richters, adds an extra layer of intrigue and uncertainty to the plot. The towering giant's sullen mystery and his association with the club stirs up more questions than answers.

Throughout its running time, Knuckledust deploys a series of skillfully choreographed fight sequences that brilliantly capture the unpredictable nature of underground fight clubs and the politics that govern them. It unveils the brutal world of hand-to-hand underground tournaments, where every punch thrown, every bone broken tells a story. But this film is more than its raw, adrenaline-fueled action; it's also a compelling narrative that dissects greed, corruption, and the struggle for power.

As the detectives uncover more secrets, they start to realize that the club isn't just another seedy fight den, but the epicenter of a far more sinister and global criminal enterprise. Phil Davis, known for his roles as a versatile character actor, adds depth to every frame he is in. His portrayal of a reticent, simmering officer grappling with his past adds an additional emotional undertone to the relentless action.

Knuckledust thrives on a dynamic, pulsating soundtrack that adds another level of energy and fervor to its scenes. It also provides a fascinating tour through London's lesser-known quarters, revealing a city that thrives beneath the surface of its polished exterior. The team behind the film, led by director James Kermack, has done a fantastic job of establishing a grim, gritty atmospheric setup with a well-paced narrative.

The cast put forth powerhouse performances, with all the pivotal characters portraying their roles convincively. Moe Dunford, as Hard Eight, takes on an understated approach, allowing the audience to progressively discover his evolution from his relatively silent demeanor to a man facing a whirlpool of emotions.

Across its run, Knuckledust navigates through themes of power, deception, loyalty, greed while maintaining tight control over its narrative trend. It's a dive into a world where the rules are constantly changing, alliances are temporary, and survival is the only thing that matters.

Far more than a crime drama or action film, Knuckledust's brilliance lies in its ability to merge various genres, creating a cinematic experience that's as exciting as it's thought-provoking. It exemplifies the darker shades of society and subtly deals with heavy topics.

If you are a fan of action, suspense, and high-octane thrillers, Knuckledust is not a film to miss out on. It boasts a highly engaging plot interspersed with hard-hitting action, brilliant choreography, and stellar performances. It's a movie that takes you on a labyrinthine journey through the world of underground fighting, filled with unexpected plot twists at every corner, leaving you on the edge of your seat till the final scene.

In a nutshell, Knuckledust is an exhilarating, action-packed rollercoaster ride into the unforgiving world of underground fighting, corruption and deceit. It perfectly combines raw action with a provocative narrative, featuring outstanding performances from a talented ensemble cast. This is a film that leaves a lasting impact!