Dead On Arrival

Dead On Arrival is a 2017 indie neo-noir thriller directed by Stephen C. Sepher and starring D.B. Sweeney, Lillo Brancato, and Scottie Thompson. The film follows Bill, a pharmaceutical sales rep who finds himself embroiled in a conspiracy after a night of heavy drinking and a clandestine sexual encounter.

Bill is introduced as a fairly unsympathetic character, a philandering salesman with a drinking problem and a strained relationship with his wife. However, his life takes a dark turn when he wakes up in a hotel room next to the dead body of a young woman. Framed for her murder, Bill must dodge the police while trying to uncover the truth behind the victim's death.

As he delves deeper into the conspiracy, Bill discovers a web of corruption and deceit involving some of the most powerful people in the city. The film plays with the genre conventions of the neo-noir thriller, featuring morally ambiguous characters, shadowy alleys, and plenty of twists and turns. The pacing is assured and the tension never lets up, as Bill races against time to clear his name and bring the real perpetrators to justice.

One of the strengths of Dead On Arrival is its confident sense of style. The film is shot in a high-contrast black and white aesthetic that gives it a classic film noir feel while still feeling modern and fresh. The score, too, is evocative and atmospheric, complementing the tense mood of the movie.

The performances are also strong, with Sweeney in particular standing out as the flawed but determined protagonist. He brings a sense of vulnerability to the role that makes us care about him despite his flaws. Brancato is similarly effective as the charismatic but sinister antagonist, while Thompson shines as the plucky reporter who helps Bill uncover the truth.

Despite its relatively low budget, Dead On Arrival is an impressive piece of filmmaking that shows what can be achieved with a strong script, solid direction, and talented actors. It's a dark and twisted journey through a corrupt underworld that will keep viewers on the edge of their seats until the very end.

Overall, if you're a fan of neo-noir thrillers, Dead On Arrival is a must-see. It's a stylish, suspenseful film with plenty of twists and turns, and an excellent showcase for its talented cast and crew. Though it's a relatively small indie film, it punches well above its weight and deserves to be seen by a wider audience.