Lowlife

Lowlife is a superb dark comedic thriller from 2017 that excellently combines different artistic styles and storytelling infrastructure. At its core, the film is a crime drama – yet, it's so much more when you dig into the considerably exceptional storytelling. It's an ambitious endeavor brought to life by the talented director, Ryan Prows. The movie is a glimpse into the lives of discarded, tormented souls trapped in a world of disorder and chaos, exploring themes of race, ethnicity, power dynamics, and various social issues beneath its gritty surface.

Distinct characters at the heart of the story include Crystal (Nicki Micheaux), a recovering drug addict running a low-end motel, El Monstruo (Ricardo Adam Zarate), a Mexican wrestler with a legend to uphold, and Randy (Jon Oswald), a ex-convict desperate to turn a new leaf but carrying the heavy weight of a controversial past.

The brilliant narrative of the movie is split into three chapters, with each one focusing on individual tales of these characters – yet, their lives are inexplicably intertwined, inevitably colliding with impactful consequences. The storytelling style is similar to Quentin Tarantino's Pulp Fiction, where the narrative threads eventually come together to form a complex but fascinating tapestry.

Crystal's motel is far from an ideal shelter. It serves as a secret center for an organ harvesting operation led by a ruthless and charismatic adversary, Teddy ‘Bear’ Haynes, played masterfully by Mark Burnham. In contrast, Crystal's struggle to rescue her adopted daughter from a life-threatening situation sets in motion a chain of events that bring the other characters into the fray.

El Monstruo, a pro-wrestler clad in a tight, traditional Luchador mask that he never removes, is faced with a crisis of identity, honor, and purpose. Bound by a strong sense of inherited duty to protect the common people, he finds himself mired in the immoral world, wrought by the dubious deeds of his criminal father-in-law, Teddy.

Meanwhile, Randy, an ex-con with a swastika tattooed across his face, recently released from prison, gets dragged into the murky waters that seem impossible to get out of. Riding the roller coaster of guilt, resentment, and a yearning for redemption, he and his old friend Keith (Shaye Ogbonna), find themselves entangled in Teddy's criminal activities.

You can't help but marvel at the multi-layered narrative and character development in Lowlife. The characters draw you in, their performances ooze authenticity, forcing you to invest emotionally in their desperate attempts to extricate themselves from their painful circumstances.

Moreover, the film makes excellent use of dark humor as a counterpoint to its severe themes, reducing the grimness without detracting from the overall gravity of the situation. It presents hilarity in the most unlikely scenarios, serving as a reminder of the absurdities of life that accompany even the bleakest realities.

Additionally, it's worth noting the brilliant cinematography which draws the viewers further into the chaotic world of Lowlife. Los Angeles's grim underbelly has been captured with conflicting tones of dark irony and earnest sincerity. The peculiar mix of the gruesome and mundane is achieved through the excellent interplay of light, shadows, and intense close-ups.

Moreover, the film tastefully showcases the cultural diversity and the multicultural backdrop of LA. It doesn't shy away from presenting the harsh realities of racial tension and the inescapable clutches of stereotypes in today's urban society.

Lowlife is a masterstroke of ingenious filmmaking – a perfect blend of humor, depth, and impactful storytelling. It manages to be darkly hilarious, unflinchingly brutal, and sincerely compassionate, all at once, making it an absolute must-watch. Expect the unexpected in this roller coaster tale of redemption and realization, as these desperate characters navigate a world filled with spine-chilling realities under the sunny skies of LA.

The movie serves as a compelling reminder of the strength and resilience found in flawed but earnest characters and demonstrates the colors of humanity within the darkest corners of society. Despite a grim storyline, Lowlife shines with memorable performances, eccentric characters, and a tightly woven narrative that will definitely leave you wide-eyed and captivated.