Summary:

A professional killer awaits his employer at a remote motel, under strict orders not to look inside a mysterious bag, but his assignment spirals into chaos when he encounters a femme fatale with her own dangerous secrets.

Review:

A stylishly shot neo-noir thriller dripping with atmosphere. While the plot can be convoluted, solid performances from John Cusack and Rebecca Da Costa, plus a menacing turn by Robert De Niro, make it compelling. It effectively captures a sense of claustrophobia and desperation, even if it doesn't fully reach the heights of the classics it emulates.

Audience Recommendation:

Recommended for fans of gritty crime thrillers, atmospheric neo-noir, and viewers who enjoy the performances of John Cusack and Robert De Niro in darker roles.

Themes:

Explores themes of desperation, the weight of secrets (symbolized by the bag), moral ambiguity in the criminal underworld, and the often inescapable consequences of violent choices.

Fun Facts:

• Robert De Niro's character name, Dragna, is likely a reference to the real-life mid-20th century Los Angeles crime boss, Jack Dragna.

• This film marked the directorial debut for writer-director David Grovic.

• Much of the film was shot on location in Louisiana, using the setting to enhance its seedy, isolated motel atmosphere.