Eye for an Eye (2019) Review
- Horror Film Reviews Thriller
Lucy Buglass
- 11
- 4 minutes read
Inspired by film noir, Francesco Cinquemani and George Gallo’s thriller Eye for An Eye (also known as The Poison Rose) follows Carson Phillips (John Travolta), an ex-football star turned PI who takes on a missing person’s case.
Set in the 1970s, the film definitely follows a well-known formula. Carson likes to smoke, drink and gamble, much like other hard-boiled cops we’re used to seeing on screen. He’s also originally from Texas but lives in Los Angeles, and is approached by a woman named Mrs Johnson (Julie Lott) who brings him an interesting case.
Mrs Johnson wants Carson to track down her wealthy aunt who was last seen in an asylum in Galveston, Texas, which happens to be Carson’s hometown. Naturally he’s apprehensive about taking the case on, as he left behind Galveston twenty years ago and doesn’t really want to return. But he eventually accepts the case and heads back to Texas.
Once there, it’s inevitable that he starts to run into people from his past. including Doc (Morgan Freeman), Chief Walsh (Robert Patrick), and his ex Jayne (Famke Janssen). We also learn that he has a daughter named Becky (played by Travolta’s real life daughter Ella Bleu Travolta).
Meanwhile Brendan Fraser stars as Dr. Miles Mitchell, who is arguably the best character in the film in terms of performance. He’s a doctor at the mental facility Carson was instructed to investigate, and looks almost unrecognisable in this role compared to some of his other well known performances. It soon becomes apparent that Dr. Mitchell might not be telling the whole truth.
Eye for an Eye is the kind of film we’ve all seen before, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. There’s not a lot of substance to it and I wish the characters had been fleshed out a bit more, as there was a potential to give the audience a bit more background for people like Doc and even Jayne. Twenty years had passed since Carson had last seen them – surely we as an audience could’ve had a little more context?
There’s a secondary plot involving Jayne’s new husband Happy Chander, who is the star quarterback and untouchable for some reason, as if this is some kind of high school drama. This plotline actually ends up being dragged out more than the initial case Carson was assigned to, and it’s as if the film got a bit lost halfway through.
It’s also quite predictable, and there’s a chance you’ll be able to figure out how it ends way before said ending arrives. This is the kind of thriller you could watch while aimlessly scrolling through your phone, and still manage to follow what’s going on. It’s not as engaging as the genre has the capacity to be, which was disappointing.
There are definitely worse thrillers out there, and the big name cast list might be appealing to some. The performances were fine, but these actors definitely have the capacity to be better than what Eye for an Eye showed. We’ve seen Travolta and Freeman in some masterpieces, but sadly this wasn’t one of them.
However, if you want some mindless action and an easy to follow plotline to keep you entertained, this might keep you occupied for a little while. With most of us staying home for the foreseeable, you may as well give this a go and see what you think.
Signature Entertainment presents Eye for an Eye on Amazon Prime Video 5th February
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11 Comments
I loved your review of “Eye for an Eye”! The way you highlighted the film’s emotional depth alongside its horror elements really resonated with me. It’s refreshing to see a horror film that tackles complex themes like revenge and morality. I can’t wait to check it out after reading your insights!
I loved your review of “Eye for an Eye”! The way you captured the film’s unique blend of horror and psychological tension was spot on. I appreciated your insights into the characters’ motivations and how they reflect on the dark themes of revenge. This definitely makes me want to rewatch it with fresh eyes!
I really enjoyed your review of “Eye for an Eye”! The way you explored the themes of vengeance and morality in the film really resonated with me. I appreciated your insights into the character development and how the tension built throughout the story. It definitely makes me want to check it out!
I really enjoyed your review of “Eye for an Eye”! The way you captured the film’s dark themes and the moral complexities was spot on. It definitely left me thinking about the consequences of revenge. I appreciate the insights you provided about the characters and their motivations. Can’t wait to check it out now!
I really enjoyed reading your review of “Eye for an Eye”! The exploration of the moral dilemmas faced by the characters added so much depth to the film. It’s fascinating how it blends horror with such heavy themes. Thanks for sharing your insights!
I really enjoyed your review of “Eye for an Eye”! It’s interesting how you highlighted the film’s unique take on revenge and morality. The character development seems compelling, and I appreciate the insight into its themes. Can’t wait to check it out!
I loved the unique twist in “Eye for an Eye”! The tension kept me on the edge of my seat, and the way it explored themes of revenge and morality was thought-provoking. Great review capturing the film’s essence!
This review captures the essence of “Eye for an Eye” beautifully! I appreciate how you highlighted the film’s intricate storyline and moral dilemmas. The performances were gripping, and I loved the way the tension built throughout. Definitely added this to my must-watch list!
Great review! I loved how you captured the film’s eerie atmosphere and the moral complexities of revenge. The performances were stunning, especially the lead. I appreciate your insights on the cinematography too—it really enhanced the story. Can’t wait to see more of your reviews!
I really enjoyed your review of “Eye for an Eye”! The way you highlighted the film’s exploration of vengeance and morality really resonated with me. It’s always interesting to see how horror can delve into deeper themes beyond just scares. Thanks for sharing your insights!
I really enjoyed your review of “Eye for an Eye”! It’s refreshing to see a horror film that explores such deep themes of revenge and morality. Your insights about the character development were spot on, and I appreciate how you highlighted the emotional weight behind the horror. Can’t wait to see more reviews from you!