Help (2021) – Review/ Summary (with Spoilers)

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While Help does make you raise an eyebrow about what’s going on, I wouldn’t say the ending gives you the payoff you desire.

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Director(s)	Blake Ridder
Screenplay By	Blake Ridder
Date Released	02/15/2022
Where To Watch	Video On Demand
Genre(s)	Crime, Drama, Romance, Young Adult
Duration	1 Hour 34 Minutes
Content Rating	Not Rated
Noted Cast
Ed	Louis James
Grace	Emily Redpath
Liv	Sarah Alexandra Marks

Film Summary

After a breakup, Grace finds this to be the perfect time to reunite with her childhood friend Liv, who lives in the countryside with her boyfriend, Ed. However, within a day, Grace starts to discover what Liv and Ed are hiding, or at least what she thought they were.

Cast & Character Guide

Please Note: This is not an exhaustive list of every cast member.

Ed

A lawyer who appears to be on leave, Ed spends most of his time with Liv and their new dog Polly as he checks in at work occasionally.

Grace

A junior forensic scientist, Grace has been Liv’s friend forever, and after a recent breakup, rather than chat up another boy, she decides to go see one of her favorite girls.

Liv

Despite only being together for 11 months, Liv decided it would be a good idea to move in with Ed, and she likes to think they come off perfect. Despite a complication that does occasionally leave her feeling insecure.

Other Noteworthy Information

• Reason(s) for Film Rating: Vomit, Nudity (Male Butt), Blood, and Cursing

Review

Highlights

The Intrigue In The Beginning

When things begin, there is a certain level of curiosity since Ed seems to be on leave, and there is a need to question, especially in modern times, what reason led Liv to give up her life to live in the country? The relationship is less than a year old, and yet she uprooted herself. And as Grace pokes the bear a bit seemingly gets to know the worst bits about Ed, it makes Liv’s reveals suck you in and pull you to her side. All while knowing Grace is keeping a secret which could further destabilize the household.

Low Points

A Dissatisfying Ending

Sadly, Help is the kind of film that crashes and burns once the twist is revealed. From that point on, things get progressively crazy to the point where you don’t feel like the build-up was good enough for the violence you watch. Heck, you may feel that you don’t get the explanation you deserve considering some things revealed don’t make a huge amount of sense.

But, what is the method a lot of movies and shows use to compensate for their stories? Well, instead of sex, what we get is violence. The kind of violence which may distract you enough in the moment, but once the film is done? You’re left with all these questions that make you wonder if you missed something. For while you understand one or two pivotal scenes changed everything, the lack of understanding the motive and psychology of certain characters leaves you scratching your head.

Overall

Our Rating: Mixed (Divisive)

The first half of the film is good. It builds on Grace and Liv being friends, but not the kind who see each other on a regular basis, and Ed seems okay, even if he has some misogynistic views. And as things ramp up, you do begin to wonder how things will end. However, sadly the ending doesn’t match the excitement the build brings. All you are left with is a bloody conclusion that seems more about creating a crazy and memorable finish than a quality movie overall.

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