Sympathy for the Devil (2023) Review
Spoiler-free so you can read before you watch
Horrorific content by christina on August 01st, 2023 | Movie Review | Slow Burn, Road Trip, Thriller, Mystery, Maniac, Thrill Kill, Hollywood
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It's about a man who finds himself in a high-stakes game of cat and mouse after being forced to drive a mysterious passenger at gunpoint, and it soon becomes clear that not everything is as it seems.
Sympathy for the Devil was directed by Yuval Adler and stars Nicolas Cage (Willy's Wonderland, Mandy, and Pay the Ghost), Joel Kinnaman (The Darkest Hour, RoboCop), Kaiwi Lyman (The Final Wish, Ice Sharks, and The Amityville Terror), Burns Burns, Cameron Lee Price, Rich Hopkins, Alexis Zollicoffer, Oliver McCallum, and Nancy Goode.
"Sympathy For The Devil" is a film that leaves us pondering the future of cinema without the charismatic presence of Nicolas Cage. Some roles seem destined for his unique talents, and this film showcases one such part. Alongside Cage's powerful performance, Joel Kinnaman delivers an equally compelling portrayal, their chemistry creating a captivating dynamic that surprises viewers as the story unfolds.
The film opens tensely as we meet Kinnaman's character, a man anxiously rushing to the hospital while his wife is in labor. The couple has experienced the heartbreak of stillbirth before, adding an extra layer of anxiety to the already fraught situation. However, a shocking turn of events takes place before he can reach the hospital doors. Cage's character suddenly hijacks the man's car at gunpoint, instructing him to "Drive." The peculiar choice of location for a carjacking, the hospital parking lot, raises suspicions and injects uncertainty into the narrative from the outset.
Luke Paradise's script keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as they navigate the ever-shifting power dynamics between the two characters. The passenger spins various stories, keeping the driver off balance and uncertain what to believe. The script cleverly weaves a web of mystery, making it difficult to discern the characters' true intentions. Cage's character playfully probes the driver's personal life, mentioning his wife and son, raising questions about how much he knows about the driver's family. Is it a mere tactic to exert control, or does he possess more profound knowledge that could jeopardize the driver's loved ones? The uncertainty leaves the driver in constant unease, searching for a way out of this dangerous predicament.
Garishly lit and highly stylized, the film boasts a unique visual aesthetic that complements its streamlined plot. Cage's character, with his striking pink hair and vibrant red jacket, symbolizes individuality and the pursuit of personal freedom. He strides through scenes with a magnetic presence, making even the most spacious locations overcrowded with his forceful personality. Director Yuval Adler deftly exploits Cage's larger-than-life aura, infusing the film with a dose of extravagance that enhances its intensity.
As the story progresses, the film shifts from a taut thriller to an exploration of emotional depth. Both Cage and Kinnaman get a chance to showcase their full range as actors. Their characters break hearts just as much as they break bones. Cage's exuberant performance is a masterclass in embracing the absurdity of a role. At the same time, Kinnaman's restrained portrayal expertly conveys a desperate everyman fighting to protect his family and survive the ordeal.
Kinnaman's character is driven by love and responsibility, relying on his intelligence and observation to navigate the treacherous situation. His ability to remain composed and calculating in adversity adds to the viewers' helplessness. With his modest haircut soon in disarray, his checked shirt rumpled, and his soft skin bearing bruises, he resembles a specific Viggo Mortensen character. However, this is different from the battle-hardened warrior we may expect. Instead, he relies on resilience, wit, and sheer determination to outsmart his captor and return to those who depend on him.
In contrast, Cage's character exudes chaotic energy and unpredictability, and his performance is captivatingly over-the-top. The film takes full advantage of his quick draw and larger-than-life presence, turning action scenes into a brutal ballet of destruction. Music and sound design work harmoniously to elevate these moments, immersing the audience in a visceral and chaotic experience.
Despite the film's riveting intensity and action, its true strength lies in its unexpected emotional depth. The balance of sympathies achieved is a testament to the skillful storytelling and the lead actors' performances. As the film reaches its climax, viewers are blindsided by the powerful and poignant emotional journey they have embarked upon. It becomes evident that "Sympathy For The Devil" is more than just a pulse-pounding thriller; it's a profound exploration of the human condition and the lengths individuals will go to protect what they hold dear.
"Sympathy For The Devil" is a triumph of storytelling and performance. Nicolas Cage's fans will relish his wild and electrifying performance, while thriller enthusiasts will be thrilled by the heart-pounding action and suspense. Yet, even those who may not typically gravitate toward such genres will be pleasantly surprised by the film's depth and emotional resonance. It is a powerful reminder of the magic of cinema and the indelible impact of great performances on the silver screen.
Worth Watching?
As we contemplate the future of cinema without Nicolas Cage, "Sympathy For The Devil" reminds us of the immense talent and charisma he brought to the medium. It prompts us to cherish the unique contributions of actors and filmmakers who, like Cage and Kinnaman, can elevate a straightforward thriller into a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant experience. As the credits roll, we are left eagerly anticipating the next generation of performers and storytellers who will continue to push the boundaries of cinema and touch our hearts in unexpected ways.
