Red Handed

Red Handed is a unique blend of suspense, drama, and mystery. Released in 2019, the film flexes the thespian muscles of two well-known actors, Michael Biehn and Michael Madsen, along with the emerging talent of Ryan Carnes. Frank Peluso, the film's director, successfully stirs the ingredients of an intriguing plot into the boiling cauldron of emotion, vulnerability, and an ensemble cast's persuasive performances.

Red Handed introduces us to the three Hetland brothers, residing in the seemingly peaceful splendor of Oregon's rural wilderness. Life takes an unanticipated divagation when they come together after their father's mysterious passing. The brothers, directed by Michael Biehn, Michael Madsen, and at the forefront, Ryan Carnes, are drawn into an enigmatic family history embroidered with secrecy, occult traditions, and inexplicableness.

Michael Biehn and Michael Madsen, best known for their roles in some of Quentin Tarantino's cinematic gems, bring the complex characters of the Hetland brothers to life. Biehn's deep experience in the world of thrillers and science fiction films, including The Terminator and Aliens, aids him in portraying the depth of his character with authenticity. Madsen, with his well-known roles in pictures like Reservoir Dogs and Kill Bill, experiments with a character that's both intriguing and mysterious, leaving the viewers baffled.

Ryan Carnes, with his fresh presence and experience, offers an appealing on-screen performance. Known for his roles in the daytime soap opera General Hospital and the prime-time drama Desperate Housewives, Carnes delivers a substantial performance as the third Hetland brother. The evolving dramatic tension between the three brothers, each of them having their distinctive personalities and impressions, contributes significantly to the film's thematic depth.

Taking a step beyond the traditional “family reunion” plot, Red Handed unravels a fascinating narrative of hidden family secrets that surface, causing disruptions and confrontations. As the brothers embark on understanding their decedent legacy, they discover far more than they had bargained for. Madness, supernatural forces, and even their faith are questioned as they plunge deeper into their inherited past. The film is less about the characters themselves and more about the mirage of secrets, promises, and betrayals that bind them together.

The movie's setting, the idyllic, eerie Oregon woods, creates an absorbent atmospheric mood. The location's untouched natural beauty adds a curious sense of contrast to the dark secrets unveiled throughout the plot. Furthermore, cinematographer Jayson Crothers skilfully captures this setting, contributing impressively to the tonality of the film. Likewise, Michael Suby's captivating score fuels the overarching sense of tension and uncertainty, creating an immersive setting for the story's unfolding.

The director, Frank Peluso, uses his storytelling prowess and cinematographic chimera to conjure an experience that leaves audiences on the edge of their seats. Moreover, instead of building the plot around unrealistic tropes, Peluso keeps it grounded to realism, which makes the plot even more plausible, thus engaging.

Red Handed delves into the rarely explored subject of familial heritage, supernatural belief systems, and individual interpretations of morality, thus raising many profound questions. As the hidden face of the rural natural beauty and its dark customs comes to the fore, Peluso questions the line that separates superstition from tradition. The multi-layered narrative keeps viewers guessing, leaving them eager for the next scene.

In synopsis, Red Handed is a tense and complex labyrinth of suspense and surprises. With an impressive cast and a well-woven plot, the movie balances traditional thriller elements with a distinct exploratory narrative style. This might just be the movie for those who enjoy suspense-filled dramas that take you on a spiraling journey of enigmas and revelations. A bewitching allure is evident from the first scene to the last, with the tumultuous trip of three brothers acting as a testament to strong character development and an ever-evolving story, making Red Handed a magnetically immersive watch.