Bad City

Bad City is a 2014 indie thriller directed by Carl Bessai and written by Aaron Brooks. The film follows the protagonist, a young man named Nick (played by Aaron Brooks), who is a successful writer struggling with alcohol addiction. His life takes a dark turn when he survives a suicide attempt and discovers that the world he inhabits is not what it seems.

The film sets the tone early on with a dream sequence where Nick wakes up in a surreal wasteland. The recurring dream hints at the themes of disillusionment and hopelessness that underpin the narrative. Nick is a talented writer whose work has garnered critical acclaim, but his alcoholism has taken a toll on his health and relationships. His girlfriend, Anne (played by Amanda Crew), is concerned about his well-being but is unable to help him overcome his addiction.

Things take a drastic turn when Nick awakens in a bathtub full of blood with no memory of how he got there. He quickly discovers that he has become embroiled in a seedy criminal underworld in the city. This world is populated by shadowy figures such as drug dealers, prostitutes, and corrupt police.

This is where the film really starts to come alive. Nick's journey through the belly of the beast is equal parts harrowing and fascinating. The seedy underworld is filled with interesting and nuanced characters, such as a drug dealer named Trevor (Dustin Milligan), who helps Nick navigate the twists and turns of the dark and dangerous world he has stumbled into.

The film is shot in a gritty, stylized manner, which adds to the atmosphere of the story. The use of muted colors and shadows helps to create an almost dream-like quality to the world that Nick finds himself in. The score is also a standout element of the film, with a mix of electronic and classical music, which adds to the overall strange and moody feel of the story.

One of the strengths of the film is the performances of the central cast. Aaron Brooks gives a strong and convincing performance as Nick, who is struggling to cope with his addictions and the dangers he has encountered in the city. Dustin Milligan stands out as Trevor, the drug dealer who becomes Nick's unlikely ally on his journey through the city's underworld. Amanda Crew also delivers a strong performance as Anne, Nick's girlfriend, who is both supportive and frustrated by his struggles.

Overall, Bad City is a compelling and entertaining thriller that offers an intriguing take on the traditional noir genre. The film explores themes of addiction, disillusionment, and the darkness that can lurk beneath the surface of seemingly nice places. The film's strong performances, stylized visual style, and haunting score make it a standout indie thriller that is well worth watching.