Free Fire, 2016
Directed by Ben Wheatley
Starring Brie Larson, Armie Hammer, Cillian Murphy, Sharlito Copley, Baboo Ceesay, Enzo Cilenti, Jack Reynor, Sam Riley, Noah Taylor and Michael Smiley
SYNOPSIS:
Set in Boston in 1978, a meeting in a deserted warehouse between two gangs turns into a shootout and a game of survival.
With every new film, Ben Wheatley’s stock continues to rise as one of the most cutting edge directors of his generation. In this writer’s humble opinion, he’s rapidly becoming one of the most innovative filmmakers to ever emerge from the UK and his ability to switch between genres while retaining his twisted vision is a dream come true for fans of macabre entertainment. His latest effort Free Fire is a throwback to the gritty crime yarns of yesteryear, and if they haven’t already, the world is about to take notice of this unique talent.
Free Fire sees the Kill List director continue to mix gritty violence with gallows humour, this time with a single location action-comedy where witty dialogue flows as freely as bullets. Taking place in 1970s Boston, the ensemble includes Brie Larson, Armie Hammer, Cillian Murphy, Sharlito Copley, Baboo Ceesay, Enzo Cilenti, Jack Reynor, Sam Riley, Noah Taylor and Michael Smiley as the hardboiled criminals caught up in the crossfire.
The story revolves around an arms deal gone wrong as two gangs war it out in a warehouse. There isn’t much to the story – it’s essentially a 90-minute shootout between morally corrupt, yet despicably entertaining, characters looking to take out the other guys and leave with the artillery and score. Simple, violent, joyous fun.
Wheatley’s career trajectory showcases diversity thus far; his previous genre efforts have saw him explore crime, horror, science fiction and period pieces with offbeat, arthouse sensibilities to great success. However, Free Fire is his mindless popcorn action movie and marks another splendid entry in his impressive filmography. Until now, his most accessible film was the romcom-cum-serial killer dramedy Sightseers (2012), but Free Fire should see his appeal grow internationally.
Setting a film in a single location is a difficult task; it limits what you can do in regards to action especially. However, the array of hilarious characters and predicaments they find themselves in keeps things entertaining for the entire running time. The chemistry between the cast is fantastic, and the gradual escalation of their descent provides constantly bleak hilarity. Free Fire is the type of film where every character seems destined to a doomed fate and invites the viewer to enjoy the violent ride getting there. As to be expected from a Wheatley film, the bloodletting is visceral, nasty and bound to elicit a few gasps as well as laughs. However, in this case, the violence is used as punchlines to a series of sick jokes.
The cast are fantastic. Sharlito Copley steals the show as Vernon, a South African sleazeball and all-round loveable rogue. Armie Hammer as Ord is another highlight and it’s a mystery why he isn’t one of Hollywood’s most popular leading men; his charisma and presence are infectious. Michael Smiley, who is rightfully starting to get the recognition he deserves, is as brilliant as ever, only here he gets to strut his stuff in the presence of A-listers as the cynical IRA henchman, Frank. Brie Larson’s Justine is headstrong, grounded and conniving, while Sam Riley entertains supremely as the drug-addled Stevo. Every character gets their moment to shine and not a single member of this spectacular cast feels misused or overlooked.
Free Fire is simple, mindless popcorn entertainment. The perfect film to enjoy in the presence of a midnight movie crowd or among friends with a few bevvies. It might be Wheatley’s most mainstream feature to date, but in no way does it feel watered down compared to his previous fare. That said, don’t be surprised when it brings the director an army of new fans either. Get out there, support this film and make studios see that there is money to be made supporting this kind of unhinged genre cinema. Dear 2017 movies, Free Fire has just set the bar thus far and it’s going to take something mightily impressive to beat it.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Kieran Fisher
Originally published February 23, 2017. Updated April 11, 2018.
