CineLife Entertainment and Trafalgar release The Retaliators in cinemas on September 14, 2022.
Synopsis
When an upstanding pastor uncovers a dark and twisted underworld as he searches for answers surrounding his daughter’s brutal murder. A high-octane original soundtrack and cameos from some of the biggest names in rock music set the tone as this horror-thriller reveals a game of revenge played using a new set of rules.
Review
Aside from comic books, there are two things I love in life: horror movies and heavy metal. So when you mashup the latter in to a riff-tactic, gore-fest like The Retaliators then I’m going to be easily pleased.
The Retaliators opens strong both visually and orally with a zombie-inspired sequence featuring a camper van which is soundtracked by Papa Roach’s The Ending. It’s a double-hander which instantly sets the scene for what directors Bridget Smith and Samuel Gonzalez Jr. have in store for the audience.
There’s plenty of hooks to grab avid music or horror fans here. The film features the acting debut of Papa Roach’s Jacoby Shaddix alongside a huge roster of cameos including Mötley Crüe’s Tommy Lee, Five Finger Death Punch’s Ivan Moody, Zoltan Bathory, and Chris Kael, Papa Roach, Jaya of The Hu, Spencer Charnas of Ice Nine Kills, Eva Under Fire’s Amanda Lyberg, Matt Brandyberry, Danny Case, Lance Dowdle, and Matt Madiro of From Ashes to New, Cory Marks, andDan Murphy and Miles Franco of All Good Things. That’s a pretty exciting list of who’s who in the metal scene right now.
But beyond that, The Retaliators has a lot to offer. Darren and Jeff Allen Geare’s story traverses much of what makes the horror genre cult viewing. There are elements of zombie movies, hillbilly horror, plenty of slasher inspiration and just a dash of the Saw franchise. All heralded by the arrival of Ram (Joseph Gatt). The script is also appropriately self-aware, at times choosing to zoom out and offer an appropriately tongue-in-cheek quip about its own existence. After a cold opening, there’s even time take aim at the classic, religious Christmas movie.
At the centre of the action is Pastor Bishop (Michael Lombardi). When his daughter falls victim to Ram’s murderous intent, Bishop ends up on a misguided path to vengeance as well as a personal journey of discovery. An early moment in the film, where Clerks Brian O’Halloran cameos, paints Bishop as a rather spineless man. But over the course of the film’s brisk 110 minute runtime, like all good heroes, he’s able to come out of his shell and fight for his and his families survival.
There’s something hyper-realist about the project. It revels in a sense of pure shock and awe. If you were to read the story of The Retaliators and take it at face value, you could be forgive for recoiling in terror and calling the authorities. Most of the cast make incredibly reprehensible decisions throughout the film. But for the sake of pure entertainment, particularly at this time of year, ready for Halloween, the film is perfect.
Verdict
Horror and heavy metal come together in this genre-mashing rollercoaster ride. A bombastic soundtrack and gory visuals make The Retaliators a must-watch for Halloween season.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
