The film “Relentless” certainly lives up to its title. From director Tom Botchii Skowronski, known for “Artik,” this thriller wades through a confusing mystery and struggles to transform into a revenge tale worth watching.
Clocking in at just 93 minutes, it often feels tedious. Logic takes a backseat, and the bloody action overshadows any character development or moral questioning. At least they shot it in Lewiston, Idaho—a refreshing break from the usual Los Angeles backdrop. But the scenery? As generic as it gets.
Jeffrey Decker plays Teddy, a homeless man living in his car, replaying voicemail messages from someone important to him. His obsession with cigarettes is a brief glimpse of his craving for comfort amid chaos.
Meanwhile, Jun, an Asian tech guy played by Shuhei Kinoshita, is hard at work on his laptop, surrounded by urgency and secrecy. A bizarre encounter erupts when Teddy barges in with a shotgun, demanding answers that lead to violence over accusations of identity theft and financial fraud.
As the two characters clash, we see a series of brutal fights. There’s a notable scene at a gas station where they battle on a car hood while an automatic car wash operates in the background—an odd and humorous twist.
Critics have noted the film’s lackluster dialogue and some outright illogical decisions—like fleeing after winning a fight instead of calling the cops. Nevertheless, Kinoshita and Decker deliver strong performances that elevate the film above its script.
Interestingly, this film reflects a growing trend in the thriller genre, where narratives often rely on shock value and violence. According to recent statistics from the Motion Picture Association, there’s been a 20% increase in the number of thrillers released in the last year—signaling a strong audience demand for suspenseful storytelling.
The production quality may not be stellar, but the film does have its moments. It’s not a masterpiece but serves as an example of how desperation can drive characters into extreme actions. If anything, “Relentless” underscores the unpredictable nature of both its characters and the genre itself.
Rating: R for graphic violence, strong language
Cast: Jeffrey Decker, Shuhei Kinoshita
Credits: Written and directed by Tom Botchii. A Saban Entertainment release.
