The 2025 thriller Thou Shalt Kill is one of those: “What the fudge did I just watch?” *Fill in the “F” any way you like, but I like to be more family friendly here.* This is not in a bad way, however, the film twists and turns nicely. The ending itself was a brilliant move by the filmmakers. One that snuck in under this old guy’s radar.
The story
Shannon, a young woman struggling with alcohol issues, comes across a “religious” serial killer, a la Saw. Hank punishes people who are sinners, in his estimation. The fight for survival begins.
The Cast
Augie Duke is Shannon Donnor.
Vince Lozano is Hank/Priest.
Ayden Lozano is Alby.
Delilah Andre is Jamie Donnor.
Kudos to the Fornicators
James Arthur Lewis is Fornicator 1.
Melanie Jayne is Fornicator 2.
Thou Shalt Kill
Despite taking the road most travelled by Hollywood, in other words working in a “mentally unbalanced Christian.” The film works on many levels. Mainly relying upon Shannon’s “disease.” It is pointed out, at least twice, that she suffers from a condition that includes hallucinations and blackouts.
The very premise that Hank “knows” about her sin, passes us by. We know that Shannon feels guilty and despite this, fights for her life and her child.
Behind the Camera
Richard Friedman directs the screenplay by Nathan Illsley with capability and finesse. He manages to follow the story’s tendency to bounce from one blackout to another well. We have a few questions initially but it all comes together at the end. A film well done from start to finish.
Cinematographer Neil Casey and Editor John Riddle work well together and there are no loose ends here. Thou Shalt Kill all comes together with a resounding snap at the end.
Performances
Duke knocks it out of the park as the recalcitrant recovering alcoholic. She shows varying stages of attitude and remorse. All the while being pummelled by her memories of Alby.
Lozano is swinging for the fences in this one. Suitably creepy one moment and beyond disturbing the next. Kudos to Ayden Lozan, son of Vince in his first film. This kid has got it.
The two “Fornicators” mentioned above, also manage to standout in their small roles as victims of “Hank/Priest.” #nosmallparts.
*The Fornicators scene is brilliant. Their reactions along with Lozano’s singing/humming makes for a truly unsettling moment in the film.*
the verdict
Thou Shalt Kill is a solid 4 star effort. It moves back and forth enough that I quite lost track of the proceedings. This made the end of the film a satisfactory conclusion to the events of the story. It is available on Amazon right now.
The Trailer
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