Written by Megan Stockton and directed by Derek Stockton, Quiet, Pretty Things is a violent game of cat and mouse between a burnt out detective and a tireless serial killer, and the odds seem to be stacked in the favour of murder.
His wife thinks he’s having an affair, he’s got a killer he can’t catch, and he isn’t particularly bothered about working through his trauma with a therapist: Detective Quentin Robichaud (Casey Bales) is already at the end of his tether. But the first character we’re introduced to is Rion (Eli Taylor) – the unhinged, blood-lusting murderer. His introductory monologue is a tribute to the writing of Megan Stockton and paints a picture of the kind of killer Rion is. The stylistic choice to present us with the antagonist before the hero is extremely effective and it reflects how Detective Quentin is always one step behind. A fact that will cost him dearly.
Bales captures Quentin’s obsession with hunting down Rion; he creates the character’s descent into the psychological depths with ease. As for Taylor, his charming smile turns eerily sinister very quickly. He portrays a believable villain without a hint of exaggeration or caricature. As Quentin’s obsession begins to drift into the realms of infatuation, both Bales and Taylor rise to the occasion, creating a compelling relationship between the characters despite the fact they are not in dialogue with each other for the majority of the film. The tension between the hunter and the hunted (and the inevitable role reversal of this) is palpable.
Both Quentin and Rion get overconfident; the stakes get higher and higher. The graphic nature of the murders allows the special effects department to come into its own with a grizzly emphasis on blood, guts and gore. Stockton maintains a high level of realism throughout, utilising his assets. A particularly interesting feature of the film is the exploration of the deterioration of the killer’s psyche. Is it guilt, regret or fear that leads Rion to have visions of those he’s killed? Or perhaps just a healthy dose of karma?
The soundtrack of the film is definitely one of the high points. The original soundtrack by Damon Addison merits a review of its own! The other characters that flesh out the film are good and perhaps developing Quentin through these peripheral characters would have added another dimension to both his character and the narrative. Alex Sauceman is particularly brilliant as Deen Paltro. It would have been interesting to delve in the past of Rion in order to allude to why he kills or perhaps what began his killing spree. Similarly, situating the murder victims more clearly within their own individual narratives, referencing their families and lives, would add a greater depth and a more realistic emotional journey.
In a turn of events that I’m certain wouldn’t fly in the context of a real investigation but make for a tense climax to Quiet, Pretty Things, Quentin and Rion finally get to meet face to face. But who will rise above the other?
Watch the trailer below!