Pickings

Pickings, a dark and moody neo-noir thriller set in an underground world of organized crime, released in 2018, boasts a remarkable ensemble cast including Edwin Lee Guzman, Michael Gentile, and Taso Mikroulis. This uniquely executed depiction of the age-old tale of vengeance and retribution is a product of the vision of Usher Morgan, an award-winning director, writer, and producer who has breathed life into this brilliant film noir set in modern times.

The narrative revolves around Jo Lee-Haywood, a loving yet utterly fierce mother, embodied by Elyse Price, who stands as the protagonist of the film - would do anything to protect her family. Jo Lee-Haywood's day job as the owner and primary bartender of a local joint, known as the Pickings, might have her brewing cocktails but by night, she dons a distinctive persona. The film skillfully intertwines her past and present in a narrative style that keeps viewers continuously on the edge of their seats.

Edwin Lee Guzman showcases a riveting performance as a law enforcement agent investigating nefarious activities in this small town that seems to have its own unique set of rules. His character tries to traverse the underlying crime network and bring darkness to the light while ensuring his protection and perseverance through trials and tribulations.

Michael Gentile stars as one of the baddies in the film, he is part of a notorious mob family in town who thinks they can push Jo Lee-Haywood around to serve their diabolical motives. The character is repugnant and bold, giving Gentile the opportunity to offer the audience an unconventional villain.

Taso Mikroulis plays the character of Boone, a mysteriously charming man with an aura of intrigue about him; his motives are unclear and enigmatic, weaving an intricate layer of suspense into the plot.

Pickings takes viewers on an unpredictable journey through a surreal world where one family's path is entwined with the world of mobsters, cops, and mysterious figures left from Jo’s dark past. This film proves to be much more than just an action-packed crime spree. Throughout its runtime, it seeks to delve deeper into the psychology of its characters, their trials, and tribulations, bringing to light how past traumas can shape an individual in a variety of ways.

The cinematography of Pickings is remarkable, showcasing an impressive mixture of classic and contemporary film noir elements. The film's striking visuals and the use of light and shadows play a significant role in setting the mysterious and suspenseful tone. The atmospheric setting, creative shots, and dramatic score all work together to create classic noir suspense in a modern package.

But the real trademark of Pickings lies in its innovative storytelling technique. Usher Morgan has taken the concept of non-linear storytelling to an extraordinary level, owing to a uniquely styled narrative structure that employs comic book panel-like sequences. This technique takes the story through multiple perspectives, providing viewers with a thorough understanding of every character's motive and background while maintaining pace and avoiding confusion. This extraordinary blend of cinema and graphic novel storytelling not only accentuates the plot progressions but also engages the audience in a gripping artistic experience.

In essence, Pickings is a thrilling neo-noir film that beautifully fuses styles from both classic film noir and modern crime films. It's a compelling combination of well-developed characters, a riveting plot, stylised violence, striking visuals, and intricate non-linear storytelling. Fans of the genre and those looking for a film that goes beyond the conventional crime drama's boundaries should undoubtedly give Pickings a watch, a fearless take on revenge, protecting, and standing up for family.