Written Review by John Delia
If you enjoy films with a sinister plot, good acting and direction, Shattered should do the trick. It’s a devilish story with some nice twists to keep you off guard and a finale that may be kind of déjà vu, but don’t let it spoil your kinetic experience. Available in select theaters and some platforms for video on demand.
Fledgling multi-millionaire Chris Decker (Cameron Monaghan) has recently separated from his wife who wants a divorce. He’s earned his vast bank account by inventing a security system that is bar none the safest for the rich and famous. But, he is down on marriage since it’s his wife Jamie Decker (Sasha Luss) who wants to move on. Trying to get over the last phone call with Jamie he decides to drive to his favorite all night market to pick up a few things. There he runs into Sky (Lilly Krug) who he sees choosing a bottle of wine. He helps her make a choice and as she starts to leave tells him her Uber driver has left. Volunteering to drop her off, she hesitantly accepts. When she has difficulty with her roommate Lisa (Ash Santos), Chris offers to take her to his home until Lisa can calm down.
At his mansion, Sky tells him her story of woe and a night of sensual love making takes place. Director Luis Prieto, who gave us the exciting barn burner Kidnap, takes on the reins of this sordid tale of extreme violence and debauchery. He feeds his script at a nice pace with introduction to most of the players, a nice beginning twist and then plows into the wickedness and depravity that makes the film delicious for fans of the genre. The script does get a bit choppy and inconceivable at points, but he brings everything together in the end.
Leading the cast is Lilly Krug as the deranged Sky who holds the key to the story and plays the psycho very well. A deceptive manipulator she will stop at nothing to achieve her goal even if she has to kill in the process. Although a gorgeous diversion from his divorce problem, Chris has no idea what he has wished for.
As for Cameron Monaghan who plays Chris, the target for Sky, his performance as the captivated guy who thinks he got lucky is nicely played. Believing he has control of this whirlwind of an encounter, he’s all in. But even when he realizes it may all be a fantasy, the trap may be snapping shut.
Shattered has been rated R for violence, bloody images, sexual content, nudity, and language throughout. The film opens on January 14 in select theaters and some platforms of video on demand. (3 out of 5 stars)
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Cameron Monaghan, Frank Grillo, Sasha Luss, Lilly Krug, John Malkovich,
Directed by: Luis Prieto
Genre: Thriller
MPAA Rating: R for violence, bloody images, sexual content, nudity, and language throughout
Running Time: 1 hr. 32 min.
Distributed by: Lionsgate
Released on: Select Theaters, VOD
Be Advised that the following is a RED BAND TRAILER rated R