Lazarus Rising

Lazarus Rising is an engaging 2015 action/adventure indie film starring Mike Pfaff, Adoni Maropis, and Devon Ogden. Rated R for its intense themes, the movie has a relatable human core beneath its stylized action exterior, accentuated by a depth of character development that resonates throughout its run time. While layered with familiar action genre tropes, the plot is a refreshing take on the themes of redemption, justice, and survival, as it explores the moral ambiguities of its troubled characters, and the complicated circumstances and relationships they navigate.

The film opens with Artie Booker (Mike Pfaff), the protagonist of the story, who is an expert in carrying out covert operations at a discrete hitman enterprise. His life takes a sudden turn when he begins to question the morality of his profession. The introspection begins to affect his duty, burdening him with guilt and an ensuing crisis of conscience. He is torn between loyalty towards his profession and a personal reckoning regarding the implications of his actions.

However, his dilemma is soon interrupted by a surprising twist in his life. After being betrayed by his employers, he is forced to start a life on the run. Simultaneously embarking on a journey of self-discovery, Booker must confront both the immediate threat to his life and grapple with the consequences of his past.

Adoni Maropis plays the role of the villain in this saga. As the powerful, relentless head of the enterprise, he presents a multi-faceted character who tests the protagonist's resilience, intellect, and morality, underscoring the narrative's themes of survival and redemption.

Devon Ogden enters the frame as a strong-willed Columbian woman who becomes a significant person in Booker's life while he's on the run. Her character is pivotal to the plot, helping to reveal Booker's emotional depth and personal growth. Her interactions with Booker further add layers to the narrative and aid in the development of the protagonist's character, highlighting the importance of companionship and trust.

As the plot unwinds, Booker not only confronts his personal demons, but also his former comrades, resulting in a lethal cat-and-mouse chase where each move can mean life or death. With an enthralling sequence of well-executed action sequences and high-stake confrontations, the film never ceases to grip the audience's attention.

Central to Lazarus Rising's tone and narrative aesthetic is its smart direction and convincing performances. The director, John Depew, skilfully interweaves the plot's underlying human drama and its action-forward climax, maintaining an intricate balance between the two. His expertise in capturing intense close-up action sequences combined with Mike Pfaff's nuanced performance adds gravitas to the high-adrenaline scenes, making them deeply immersive.

The performances by Mike Pfaff, Adoni Maropis, and Devon Ogden are commendable. Pfaff impresses throughout the film with his convincing portrayal of a conflicted character undergoing strenuous physical and emotional transformations. Maropis as the antagonist exudes intimidating on-screen presence, skillfully portraying a complex villain pushing the narrative tension forward. Furthermore, Devon Ogden delivers a powerful performance that adds an emotive dimension to the narrative.

The film's well-crafted action sequences are supported by an atmospheric sound design and a gritty visual aesthetic that heightens the intensity of the film. The script, while action-heavy, does not cloud the insightful exploration of the characters' human complexities, contributing significantly to the film's overall appeal.

In summary, Lazarus Rising is a riveting action adventure film that straddles the line between an intense thriller and an introspective character drama. Its edge-of-the-seat action sequences, well-developed characters, and compelling narrative rich with moral ambiguities, make it a memorable addition to the action-adventure genre. The film does not merely entertain but also imparts insightful perspectives on morality, survival, and redemption - offering an exceptional cinematic experience for its audience.