Rattlesnakes

Rattlesnakes is a 2019 psychological thriller film directed by Julius Amedume based on the stage play by Graham Farrow. The film stars Jimmy Jean-Louis, Jack Coleman, and Kathleen McClellan in lead roles. The movie is set in California and revolves around a psychology professor, Robert (Jean-Louis), who is leading a relatively happy life with his wife and child until he is abducted by a trio of masked men.

The masked men take Robert to an isolated location and confront him with evidence of his adultery. Robert's confession leads the men to reveal themselves as the husbands of the numerous women that Robert had slept with. The furious husbands claim they are members of a secretive organization called the Guild, which has been formed for the purpose of enforcing justice when the legal system fails.

Robert is given an ultimatum - confess his wrongdoings to his wife, or face the consequences. As the night progresses, Robert's ordeal takes a dark turn, and he realizes that the husbands are determined to make him pay for his infidelities, irrespective of the consequences. As the night unfolds, Robert's perspective shifts, and he begins to question if the men have gone too far.

The performances in the film are impressive, with Jimmy Jean-Louis delivering a powerful portrayal of a man trapped in a dangerous situation. Jack Coleman, who plays the leader of the Guild, is intimidating and convincing. Kathleen McClellan, who depicts Robert's loyal wife, provides a much-needed perspective to the proceedings with her strong and grounded performance.

The film’s narrative is topical, and it raises some pertinent questions about the nature of justice, vigilante justice, and morality. The story is tense and suspenseful, and the cinematography captures the menacing atmosphere of the desert locale perfectly.

The movie poses questions such as whether or not vigilantism is justified when legitimate forms of justice fail, and what consequences people should face when they cheat in marriages. Through Robert's experience, the audience is forced to confront the harsh reality of infidelity, and the painful aftermath it can create.

The movie does not try to make excuses for Robert's behavior; instead, it opens up a space for a nuanced discussion that is sadly missing in popular culture. The film's ending leaves the audience with much to ponder, and it resists the temptation to provide easy answers to complex questions.

The film's portrayal of women is also significant, as it presents the wives of the aggrieved husbands as complex, human beings who are more than just victims or objects. They are shown as women who are capable of making choices, who have agency, and who are not defined by their relationships with men.

In summary, Rattlesnakes is a compelling and thought-provoking film that dares to engage with difficult issues, and it does so with intelligence, sensitivity, and grace. The movie's performances, direction, and cinematography are all rock-solid, and the writing is smart and nuanced. It is a film that will linger in the memory long after the credits roll, and it is a testament to the power of cinema to ask difficult questions and to inspire reflection.