PopHorror Let's Get Scared
I’ve seen a couple of Brandon Slagke’s films: The Flood and Arena Wars, and enjoyed them both immensely. When I was given the chance to check out his latest Affinity, I was excited to do so, especially with Marko Zaror (from John Wick 4, The Killer’s Game, and Fight or Flight,) in the lead role.
Read on for my thoughts on Affinity.
Synopsis
A PTSD-afflicted ex-SEAL rescues and falls for a woman only to lose her to mysterious kidnappers. He gathers an elite team to retrieve her but soon discovers the shocking truth: she’s been bio-engineered by a scientist grieving his wife.
Affinity was directed by Brandon Slagle (Arena Wars) from a script by Gina Aguad, Christopher M. Don (Witch Trials), Liam O’Neil, and Marko Zaror from a story by Zaror and Daniel Zirilli (Shark Island). The film stars Marko Zaror (John Wick 4), Louis Mandylor (Operation Blood Hunt), Brooke Ence (Wonder Woman), Brahim Chab (Monkey Man), Jane Mirro (ON i Ona) and Ego Mikitas (Waltzing With Brando).
Right off the bat Affinity hooked me by having a first person action scene. I absolutely love those. They just look so cool. I was really impressed with the action scenes overall. Affinity is lower budget than your average Hollywood Action film but delivers stylish and hard hitting action scenes that feels right at home with something like John Wick.
Another thing I really loved was the characters. Marko Zaror plays Bruno, a former soldier dealing with PTSD and guilt from losing his brother. He’s a good man who can’t seem to keep himself out of trouble. Of course when a beautiful woman washes ashore by his house he has to save her, but what he wasn’t counting on is falling in love with her. Jane Mirro plays Athena, the woman who Bruno saves and falls for. Much of her past is a mystery but it’s obvious she’s been through some things. Brooke Ence plays Fitch, a tech expert who is also handy with a gun.
Last but not least we have Joe played by Louis Mandylor. He’s kinda a father figure for Bruno and tries to keep him out of trouble.
The story follows Bruno as he tries to rescue his love from kidnappers who are more then they appear. The story is standard Action movie fair but it’s executed well and keeps things interesting. The cinematography is excellent, especially during the action scenes. The camera work is extremely fluid. One thing I really hate in Action films is when they rely on shaky cam. It makes it hard to follow what’s going on. Thankfully we don’t have any of that here. One minor quabble it’s that the films Sci-Fi elements really don’t kick in till the final act. Despite that minor complaint, I enjoyed the Hell out of Affinity.
Final Thoughts
Affinity does an excellent job of providing quality action with well choreographed fight scenes. The cast and character are great and make you care about what’s going on. Highly recommended.
