Saint Nicholas

Saint Nicholas (2018) is a captivating crime thriller set amid the hustle and bustle of New York City. Directed by Jose Alejandro and produced by Monte Bezell, this gripping tale skillfully intertwines elements of drama, crime, and suspense. The compelling narrative offers edge-of-your-seat entertainment while offering a deeper exploration of the complexities of human nature and the cycle of crime and its consequences. The film stars Monte Bezell, Francesca Van Horne, and A.R. Garcia whose exceptional performances engage viewers in a riveting narrative of deceit and the relentless pursuit of truth.

The cinematic story kicks off with the lead character, Nick DeMarco (Monte Bezell), leading an utterly everyday New Yorker’s life. DeMarco is portrayed as a charismatic English Literature teacher who is adored by both students and staff at his school. However, behind this mask of ordinary life, Nick hides a secret past, riddled with criminal activities. He was once a key player in the underground world of mobsters. This dichotomy in his life, between being an engaging educator by day and someone with a mobster past, sets the plot of Saint Nicholas rolling.

DeMarco’s double life begins to unravel when a retired mob boss – Frankie "The Fly" (A. R. Garcia) – makes an unexpected re-entry into his life. With Frankie’s appearance comes a whirlwind of trouble, leaving DeMarco entangled in a web of murky criminal dealings once again. As Nick is dragged back into his hidden world, he is tasked with delivering an important package. This package opens up a Pandora’s Box of multiple challenges, secrets, and confrontations, adding a whole new layer of suspense to the storyline.

Alongside dealing with unwanted mob entanglements, Nick forms a romantic relationship with a woman named Victoria (Francesca Van Horne). Despite their apparent chemistry and shared moments, the newfound love interest intensifies Nick’s problems. Victoria, unknowing of Nick’s parallel life, is the daughter of a local crime boss. This convoluted connection intricately ties the characters together, adding great depth to the storyline, rolling out an intense, gripping narrative as both of their pasts unfold.

The thoroughly unpredictable, gripping storyline of Saint Nicholas is further complemented and brought to life by stellar performances from the cast. Monte Bezell impeccably portrays the struggles and conflicts of DeMarco as he oscillates between his current decent life and grim past. Francesca Van Horne also shines in her role, embodying the essence of Victoria in an authentic, evocative manner while A.R. Garcia delivers a compelling performance as the crafty, formidable Frankie.

Saint Nicholas does not solely focus on the criminal world. It intriguingly portrays the eternal human battle of past versus present, secrets versus truths, and redemption versus damnation. Nick’s internal struggle and his desperate attempt to maintain his carefully constructed facade of normalcy while dealing with intrusion from his past are emblematic of human frailty and survival instincts.

The cinematography is equally laudable, with the concrete jungle of New York City serving as a stunning backdrop to highlight the gritty, harsh realities of the underworld as well as the innocent tranquility of a school setting. The moody lighting and atmospheric set designs add to the exhilarating ambiance of the film, intensifying the sense of intrigue and tension. The effective use of camera angles and music ingeniously heightens the mood of different scenes, intensifying the impact of suspenseful moments, making the film visually arresting.

In terms of genre, Saint Nicholas is an eclectic mix of crime, thriller, and, to an extent, romance. This fusion of genres makes the film a versatile piece of cinema that caters to a vast range of tastes in the audience. For those who enjoy edge-of-seat suspense, the unpredictability of the plot keeps them glued to the screen. For those who relish crime plots, the regales of Nick’s past provide a thrilling ride. Meanwhile, the side story of romance adds a softer, more emotional element to the film’s hard-boiled storyline.

To conclude, Saint Nicholas (2018) is a thrilling cinematic journey that bravely explores the crossroads where a charming common life meets a sinister past. With superb performances, a striking setting, and a multi-layered plot, it is a must-watch film that keeps the audience enthralled until the very end. This film is a sharp reminder that past deeds can return to shadow the present, prompting viewers to reflect on our actions and their future repercussions.