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Jim Caviezel. © Angel Studios and Santa Fe Films. Directed by Alejandro Monteverde.
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In Every Darkness, There's Always A Light
Hollywood is in a unique position due to the strike and other controversial events that changed cinema during the post-pandemic. However, one film came into the scene silently and it's roaring throughout July and that film is Sound of Freedom. This is the return of Jim Caviezel on the big screen and his performance really made this film more impactful. While this film is still getting controversy from a range of topics, this is still a film that Hollywood won't shine light on anymore and I'm happy it's getting released majorly. Let's dive into this film and see what's the controversy about. Story: After rescuing a boy from ruthless child traffickers, a federal agent learns the boy's sister is still captive and decides to embark on a dangerous mission to save her. With time running out, he quits his job and journeys deep into the Colombian jungle, putting his life on the line to free her from a fate worse than death. Right away, this is a hard film to watch due to the real-life subject matter. However, it doesn't push it to its limits which I very much respect because this film includes some of the most heartbreaking scenes of this year. This isn't an easy film to watch but Jim Caviezel brings light into the film and makes the viewing much easier. Jim's performance is fantastic throughout the film and his performance feels very shallow yet great. The way he brings the real-life hero Tim Ballard is so interesting because Jim's performance with his eyes and dead silence brings it all. Even though there are performances in different films that do that in which cases do work or don't, for this type of character, it fits perfectly, especially with the subject matter. There is some rewarding little humor to keep this film way too depressing but Jim really shines this film to its fullest. While there is some fictional material in the film, especially in the final act, the film faithfully recreates what Tim saw in some of the events he encountered. Especially during the island scene, which was a tense scene, really demonstrated how Tim had to keep himself in control and under-detected while saving these kids. While the final sequence is fictional, which takes place within a rebel forest, it's still tense on how Tim would approach it and it adds action to the film which makes it more thrilling. It's not so an action film but more on the thriller part with some inspirations from Narcos and A Private War. Besides the well-made tense sequences, Jim really delivered his best performance since The Passion of the Christ and the supporting cast here really made this film more powerful and thrilling. Bill Camp is amazing in his huge supporting role and his scene with Jim's character at the hotel was very emotional and it's one of the best scenes in the film. I love their duo friendship and it's very well done while still keeping Jim in the spotlight. Javier Godino has a small supporting role in the film but he does a great job with his performance. Mira Sorvino has a very small role in the film but her scenes with Jim really shine and give depth to the complexity of Jim's personal and work life. These performances really make this film tense and help make the subject of the film more prominent rather than underexposing it.
What I also love about this film is the directing which is done by Alejandro Monteverde. His way of telling visual storytelling here is unique. It's slow and somber yet fast-paced due to its well-crafted editing. There is a unique visual style here that is supported by its great cinematography, photographed by Gorka Gómez and Andreu Aec. It's a mix of light and darkness yet it shows signs of hope and faith. Alejandro lets its actors feel into the moment with the support of the film's production design and practicality. One thing I really liked about this film is that Alejandro lets Jim explore Tim's personality and creates some unique moments that give depth to the scene of his character or the situation of the scene. I found that very compelling and it adds little nice detail to the situation of the scene. Besides the directing, the production here is easily very well done for a low-budget indie film. Especially for a faith-based film, this is high quality and you can tell with its production design, on-location filming, well-shot cinematography, and score of the film. For the past 10 years, we have seen more crappy Christian films but I'm glad this film stepped out to show that it's possible with the right crew and the right director. I wouldn't even consider this film a faith-based film. Even though there are moments where it spreads its Christian/catholic faith, it's done very well while still keeping the subject matter front and center. The line "God's children are not for sale" is the hardest line in the film and from there, I knew I was in for a thrilling ride. It's also so weird seeing the same actor that played Jesus 11 years ago kicking ass in the film. Overall, the production is very great for a low-budget indie film and it shows that if you care about the story or subject matter but also utilize the cinema art form, you can create a good film in the end. While there are controversial parts of the film which case I won't discuss here, I still have some issues with the film itself.
The pacing of this film really holds some of the momentum of certain scenes. It gets a little bit stale in certain sequences with dead moments which bothered me, especially during some dialogue scenes. While this is still a plot/character story, it does get a little bit lost in between but still keeps the subject matter within context. Mira's character gets little screen time which was a bit disappointing but her small scenes add emotional depth to Tim's journey. There are some little screenplay issues in some parts and I wish it could've been shorter. Still, this is an engaging thriller that will be talked about for many years to come. With all the controversy and weird ass conspiracies behind it, if you look through the lens of the film, you will find many great things behind this unique production and story. Jim really helps elevate this film with its powerful story and keeps the film more thrilling. Well shot with great performances, and a well-made story that will be watched on for years to come. This is a film that will be sure to be looked at and be more appreciated to confront one of the darkest crimes in the world. In the end, this is a film that helps spreads its message about child trafficking and hopes that it reaches audiences around the nation and the world for the better to save children from the darkness and bring them to the light. Now, it's time for Jim Caviezel to start working on that long-awaited sequel of The Passion of the Christ. Now Playing Only in Theaters! Vizeit Score: "A-" (Share this review with your film friends and on social media! Thank you for continuing supporting my indie cinema website.) Copyright © 2023 Vizeit Reviews / Vizeit Studios. All Rights Reserved. Review Written By: Everardo Garcia Jr. Editor In-Chief/Owner of Vizeit Reviews | (Chicago Indie Critics Member [CIC])
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