The Odds

The Odds is a 2018 horror thriller directed by Bob Giordano and starring Abbi Butler, James J. Fuertes, and Katie Gunn. The film follows a high school girl named Dess who is haunted by her past and struggles to fit in at her new school. One day, she meets a group of fellow outcasts who challenge her to a dangerous game of Russian roulette. The game quickly escalates into a deadly competition for survival.

The movie starts with an eerie shot of an old, abandoned building where a group of teenagers are gathered. It's clear that something ominous is about to happen. The camera then cuts to Dess, a new student at a high school who is struggling to make friends. Her past trauma, hinted at but not yet explained, makes it difficult for her to connect with others.

When Dess meets a group of outcasts who call themselves "The Odds," she is intrigued by their rebellious attitude and bravado. But things take a sinister turn when they challenge her to a game of Russian roulette. At first, Dess is hesitant, but the prize money motivates her to play along.

As the game progresses, tension rises between the players, and each turn of the gun becomes more intense. The scene is shot with a sense of unease, and the audience can't help but feel on edge as the gun clicks closer and closer to a live bullet.

The characters of The Odds are all unique and flawed in their own ways, but their motivations for playing the deadly game are never fully explained. James J. Fuertes gives a standout performance as the leader of the group, who exudes both charisma and menace. Abbi Butler is equally impressive as Dess, bringing depth and vulnerability to her character.

As the game progresses, the characters begin to turn on each other, and alliances are formed and broken. But the threats they face are not just from each other. The abandoned building they are playing in is also haunted by a malevolent spirit, which seems to be feeding off their fear.

The cinematography and sound design play a crucial role in creating a tense and unsettling atmosphere. The camera lingers on the dilapidated building, capturing its shadows and decay. The sound design is sparse, but effective, using silence to heighten the tension before a sudden jolt of noise.

As the game comes to its bloody conclusion, the true nature of the spirit haunting the building is revealed. The ending is satisfyingly eerie and leaves some questions unanswered, but not in a way that feels frustrating.

Overall, The Odds is a well-crafted horror thriller that showcases strong performances and effective filmmaking. While the plot isn't entirely original, the execution is creative and engrossing, making it a worthwhile watch for fans of the genre.