“Beast” made a quiet entrance and an even more silent exit in theaters a few months back.
Maybe this solid film will earn an audience on streaming platforms. I hope so – it deserves to be seen.
Russell Crowe, who is among the ensemble in a small but pivotal role, also co-wrote the screenplay with David Frigerio (“Land of Bad”) in this Australian-made movie about a retired fighter’s desperate attempt at a comeback
Director Tyler Atkins keeps things moving inside and outside the ring. Patton (Daniel MacPherson, who also was in “Land of Bad”)
Patton was a real star as an MMA fighter 10 years before the main story is set, and Sammy (Crowe) was his trainer. Now Patton, who works on a fishing trawler, where he ekes out an existence, has a wife (Kelly Gale,) a little girl, and a baby on the way. He hasn’t been in the ring in years.
In the meantime, Patton’s estranged brother (Mojean Aria) is knocked out and injured by Patton’s former rival, Xavier (Bren Foster.) Now his brother can’t repay a debt that’s due.
Xavier’s manager (Luke Hemsworth) offers Patton a kingly sum to take on Xavier again in a well-publicized fight.
And the kicker? He has to be in shape within seven weeks to do it.
I like the intricate relationships that unfold between the characters in this sports-centered drama. Frigerio pulls no punches when it comes to the violence of the competition – this is a dangerous contest,. We understand how and why Patton is pulled back in the ring because of his circumstances.
This is the kind of movie that’s somewhat familiar. But it’s well-acted, well-written, and just plain entertaining. It’s fresh enough to be engaging and easy to enjoy – a worthy contender for an audience it earns.
3 stars
Running time: One hour and 54 minutes.
Streaming on various platforms.
Watch the trailer here.
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