Trigger Man

Trigger Man is a low-budget independent movie from 2007, written and directed by Ti West. The movie is a slow-burning thriller that focuses on the character development of its three main characters and their reactions to a sudden, violent event.

The story is simple: three friends, Reggie (Reggie Cunningham), Sean (Sean Reid), and Ray (Ray Sullivan) head out to the woods for a hunting trip. They're armed with rifles, beer, and a general sense of camaraderie. However, things take a turn for the worse when one of them becomes the target of an unknown shooter. With no cell phone reception and no way to call for help, the trio must navigate through the woods and stay alive.

The movie's strength lies in the way it builds tension and fear without relying on cheap jump scares or gore. Instead, the camera lingers on the characters' faces, capturing their fear and confusion. The cinematography is raw and visceral, matching the grittiness of the story.

The three leads give strong performances, especially Reggie Cunningham as Reggie. His character is the most developed, and Cunningham does a great job of conveying Reggie's sense of guilt and fear. Ray Sullivan's Ray is the comic relief of the movie, providing some much-needed levity. Sean Reid's Sean is the least developed of the three, but Reid still manages to convey his character's desperation and fear.

The sound design is another standout element of Trigger Man. There's no musical score, just the sound of the characters' footsteps, their breathing, and the gunshot that punctuates the silence. The lack of music makes the sounds of the forest more prominent, adding to the sense of isolation and danger.

The movie's pacing may be too slow for some viewers, but patient audiences will be rewarded with a tense and engaging thriller. The slow build-up to the climactic scenes is worth it, as the tension becomes almost unbearable. The movie's final act is a masterclass in suspense-building, with the identity of the shooter kept hidden until the very end.

One of the movie's strongest elements is its use of location. The woods become a character in and of themselves, with the characters becoming smaller and smaller against the vast expanse of trees. The isolation and claustrophobia of the forest become palpable, as the characters become lost and disoriented.

Trigger Man is a movie that rewards patience and attention. Its slow-burning tension and focus on character development set it apart from more formulaic thrillers. The use of sound design and location elevate it above its low-budget trappings. Fans of indie horror and slow-burning thrillers will find a lot to enjoy here.