Movie Review: Is ‘FAILURE!’ (2023) A Success Or Failure?

Failure! (2023) is a psychological thriller written and directed by Alex Kahuam. The film stars Ted Raimi, who we all know from Xena: Warrior Princess, the Evil Dead franchise, and Darkman (1990). It is set to have its world premiere at Frightfest.

Is this film’s tagline correct? Is Failure! an IN ONE TAKE. NO MISTAKE. FOR GOD’S SAKE!?

Failure! Synopsis

James (Ted Raimi) has a big debt with the bank and is given one hour to choose between financial ruin or murder in order to protect his family. As the hour progresses, he finds his home and phone invaded by multiple characters pulling him in different directions, gradually adding to his distress and his unraveling. But who is real and who isn’t?

Trailer: 

My Thoughts

Failure! was shot in a single 87-minute take with three acts, which had to be a challenging experience. Unfortunately, this may have been too much of an obstacle for all involved. The end result was a poorly orchestrated story, shaky camera work, and inadequate performances amplified by a mostly inexperienced cast of actors. 

Honestly, being a fan of Ted Raimi, there was a real desire to want to like this film. Ted Raimi delivered with his performance in Failure!, but it was not enough to make it a worthwhile viewing.

A palette cleanse of some of Ted Raimi’s classics is needed after watching Failure!

Check it out for yourself and let us know what you think. 

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