Lucas and Albert

Lucas and Albert is a unique, character-driven film released in 2019. Set against the gritty and picturesque backdrop of South England, the plot revolves around the lives of two ageing hitmen, Lucas, played by A.G. Longhurst, and Albert, portrayed by James Osborne. Directed by Darren S. Cook, this low-budget British noir offers an unusual blend of dramatic suspense and penetrating character examination.

As the film begins, Lucas and Albert, tired and beleaguered from their years in the dangerous, adrenaline-fuelled underworld of organised crime, are tasked with a seemingly straightforward, final hit job by their mysterious employer. With their uneasy partnership further strained by their personal traumas and the weight of their past actions, the two old school hitmen in their twilight years must negotiate their way through a tangled web of intrigue, deceit, and danger.

The film hinges on the world-weary performances of A.G. Longhurst and James Osborne as the titular Lucas and Albert. Longhurst endows Lucas with an unnerving volatility beneath a weary exterior, while Osborne's Albert is deeply-rooted in quiet despair. Their on-screen chemistry vaults from dark comedy to profound introspection, painting a compelling picture of two men trapped in lives they both detest and need to survive.

Joining them is Jordan Abrams who manages to stand out in a supporting role, adding depth and tension to the narrative arc. Every character introduced in the narrative brings an element of surprise or complexity, ensuring our protagonists' journey is not a simple one.

While Lucas and Albert on the surface is a crime thriller, this film distinguishes itself through its exploration of its character's humanity. Rather than focusing on the actions inherent to their profession, it explores the morally grey reality and the psychological toll it takes on those living it day in and day out. Oscillating between their hard-edged professional lives and vulnerable personal realities, the film examines the duality in their existence.

Director Darren S. Cook does an impressive job of immersing us in Lucas and Albert's gloomy world, transforming the picturesque English countryside into a bleak landscape that reflects the hitmen’s grim line of work. His narrative style, combined with the atmospheric cinematography, successfully creates a sense of unease and suspense that permeates through the film.

The script, written by Robert Putt, is another high point of the movie. Putt's dialogue manages to be satirical, philosophical, and hard-hitting, often all at once. The script does not shy away from tackling themes of remorse, redemption, and the human cost of a life of crime. These hitmen aren't glorified or romanticised — they're presented as deeply flawed individuals, aching under the burden of their chosen profession.

The pacing of Lucas and Albert is slower than what most people are accustomed to in a crime thriller. Yet, this intentional decision allows the audience time to absorb and contemplate the characters’ complex personalities, their interactions, and the implications of their choices. The film does not rely on action-packed set-pieces but leans heavily on its dialogue, character interactions, and atmospheric tension to drive the story forward.

In conclusion, Lucas and Albert is a distinct entry in the crime genre known for its adherence to high-octane adrenaline scenes. It's a fitting tribute to character-driven narratives, combining elements of noir, drama, and thriller which miraculously merges crime and compassion portraying a humanistic view towards its flawed anti-heroes. It's a dark and complex portrait of two hitmen lost in the twilight of their careers, grappling with consequences and seeking redemption in an unforgiving world.