‘Roadkill’ VOD Review
Stars: Alexander Whitrow, Sarah Milde, Edward Boyd, Erik Strauts | Written and Directed by Alexander Whitrow
On a highway in rural Australia, Connor Shelby (Alexander Whitrow, also the film’s writer and director) lies on top of his seemingly broken-down car while speaking with his girlfriend on the phone. As he promises they will escape their residence by the end of the month, Connor ends the call when he spots an oncoming car. Once a family arrives to offer help, it becomes apparent this is a trap to lure unsuspecting victims into a robbery, as this effectively shot opening offers an understanding of the protagonist and the lengths he is willing to take.
While unaware of how her beloved earns money, Lucy (Sarah Milde) has an inkling that he is being untruthful about working down the mines. All she asks is that he does not lie to her, yet she does not anticipate his determination to not die in Australia. It’s easy to root for the couple when the on-screen duo sells their relationship well, although it’s twinged with sadness as Connor’s resolve to build their future ultimately jeopardises those same hopes.
Setting his sights on the couple, danger arrives in the form of a serial killer (Edward Boyd) who labels himself as a horseman of the apocalypse. There’s an effectiveness to the simplicity of his cold stare, which chillingly delivers the character’s horrors better than the more traditional biblical references. A memorable sequence involves the killer stalking a father and son, growing increasingly uncomfortable and leaving one to wonder how far the film will go.
Hunting the serial killer are a pair of detectives, including Lucy’s uncle Ernest (Erik Strauts) who also distrusts Connor. These elements all come together for an engaging story with interesting turns, complete with flashbacks which underline the lead’s doomed hopes while living in a place where nothing stays clean for long. There are noticeable limitations courtesy of the low budget, while some performances, unfortunately, fall short. Despite these issues, what’s undoubtable is the promise Whitrow shows as a filmmaker, leaving him as one worth watching.
***½ 3.5/5
Roadkill arrives on UK digital on 29th May 2023, courtesy of Reel 2 Reel Films.
