Today, I bring to you a mind blowing, intense thriller that will have you perching at the edge of your seat or have you punching the air and barking out orders. This one had me on chokehold from its first ten minutes to the very end and I couldn’t be more excited. I love it when a thriller leaves up to its name.
Synopsis
Amber Alert is an intense thriller directed by Kerry Bellessa, featuring Hayden Panettiere as Jaq and Tyler James Williams as Shane.
The film follows Jaq, who, after finishing work, hails a ride-share driven by Shane. During their journey, they receive an Amber Alert about a child abduction and notice a car matching the alert’s description nearby. Driven by concern, Jaq persuades Shane to follow the suspicious vehicle, which leads them into a tense and perilous situation.
Personal Reception
From my viewpoint, this film presents a really engaging premise that taps into contemporary fears associated with technology and personal safety. The decision to set the narrative within the confines of a ride-share scenario adds a layer of immediacy and relatability.
Hayden Panettiere delivers a compelling performance as Jaq. At first glance at her, I wasn’t really interested in her character until she showcased such rare determination. She’s a character whose determination sometimes borders on recklessness but is still an admirable quality worth emulating. Tyler James Williams on the other hand, complements her as Shane. He embodies the everyman thrust into an extraordinary situation and that made his character extremely realistic. I loved to see their on-screen chemistry. I mean it provided a solid foundation for the unfolding drama but I was disappointed that what I wished for to happen between them didn’t happen. A shimmer of romance in the end wouldn’t have hurt or ruin anything rather it’d have calmed my racing heart.
Inasmuch as this film somehow stretches believability, in the sense that I don’t think anyone would be willing to risk their lives and important meetings like Jaq and Shane did just to catch up with an abductor who was armed. They would have just played their part by reporting the car to the police and went about their business while praying for the child’s family.
Anyway, it remains a tense and engaging watch. For those seeking a contemporary suspense story, I absolutely recommend this one. You’re going to thank me later.
Lest I forget, the cinematography was perfect for the theme and genre. I absolutely loved the low key lighting used in the beginning of the film as it prepared me for the unease I was to later experience also, the high contrast lighting employed during the climax. It created a sense of drama and tension which I found satisfying.
Rating: 4/5