Face to Face

In the 2011 Australian psychological thriller Face to Face, director Michael Rymer explores the complexities of human behavior and the consequences of unchecked anger and aggression. Starring Vince Colosimo, Luke Ford, and Matthew Newton in the lead roles, the film is a gripping and thought-provoking exploration of the emotive underpinnings of interpersonal conflict.

The story centers around a group of coworkers who attend a mandatory conflict resolution seminar led by a trained facilitator, named Darren, played by Colosimo. As the day progresses, tensions between the different employees begin to flare up, with long-held grudges and resentments spilling out into open confrontation. Darren attempts to mediate, but soon finds himself caught in the middle of a volatile and rapidly escalating situation.

What sets Face to Face apart from other films of its kind is its unusual structure. The entire movie takes place in a single room, with virtually no cuts to external scenes or flashbacks. This creates a palpable sense of claustrophobia, and allows the audience to witness, up close and personal, the visceral power of human conflict. The writing is superb, with each character slowly unfolding like an onion, revealing ever-deeper layers of nuance and complexity.

Colosimo's performance as the beleaguered facilitator is particularly noteworthy. He maintains an air of calm professionalism throughout most of the film, even as the situation spirals out of control. But there are moments when his composure cracks, revealing glimpses of his own inner turmoil and suggesting that he may not be as qualified for his job as he initially seemed.

Newton, playing one of the more belligerent employees, gives a standout performance as well. His character, named Wayne, is a deeply troubled man whose simmering anger ultimately explodes into violence. Newton imbues the role with a sense of palpable danger, making Wayne a truly formidable antagonist.

Ford, in the role of Joe, initially appears to be a more sympathetic character, but as the movie progresses it becomes clear that he too is dealing with some serious emotional baggage. One of the most interesting aspects of the film is the way it peels back the layers of each character's psyche, revealing the deep-seated wounds and resentments that underlie their behavior.

Overall, Face to Face is a gripping and thought-provoking film that explores the dark side of human nature. Rymer's direction is sharp and focused, and the actors deliver nuanced and powerful performances. The movie will keep you on the edge of your seat, but it will also leave you with plenty to ponder long after the credits roll.