I'm back after a difficult few weeks. I thought I'd return with a review of a movie I watched only last night, as thanks to Arrow Video we finally have a release of what is in my humble opinion, the grimiest, grimmest piece of cinema I have ever witnessed.
If you haven't already guessed, I am talking about Buddy Giovinazzo's Combat Shock (or American Nightmare as it was also known).
Poor old Frankie. He has a wife and child. They have no money, no food, the toilet is broken and an eviction notice has been served on them. The movie begins with Frankie remembering his time in Vietnam, and immediately it sets the tone for one hell of a dark movie.
There is nothing supernatural in this movie, this is as realistic as it gets. A true horror movie if there ever was such a term.
Frankie sets off on a journey to try and get money. The journey taking him to some dark places and meeting some pretty vile people on the way.
I can't/won't give anymore of the plot away, suffice to say this film is so downright depressing, emotional and touching (yes, it really is) that it was a whole new experience watching it.
The film builds slowly, flashing between Frankie's struggles with finding money and his time in Vietnam, and a secret he's been holding on to for a long long time.
The film has very little violence, but when there is violence it is incredibly well done and dare I say it, shocking. Everything about the film looks dirty, from the locations used to the costumes. Even the characters in the films look like they have been through hell.
The ending is so sickening and brutal, I'm sure it will stick with you for a long long time.
Seriously, if you are into cinema that provokes emotion and want something that is truly disturbing, check out Combat Shock. You won't be disappointed.
You can purchase Combat Shock from Amazon by clicking here.
Thank you for taking the time to read. Darkest regards......Dani.
