The Price for Silence (2018) User Reviews

makes a statement

[ferguson-6 · 5/10 · 29 March 2019]

Greetings again from the darkness. Kira is startled from slumber by a horrendous nightmare - a flashback to a years ago night when she was sexually abused. Her partner in bed knows nothing of Kira's vision, only that she's been violently pushed from bed, which is not her preferred morning method of waking up. As the story from filmmaker Tony Germinario unfolds, we learn more about Kira and the background that has her deservedly bitter.

Lynn Mancinelli (she also starred in Germinario's film BAD FRANK) plays Kira and does a pretty nice job of allowing us to understand the reasons for her dramatic mood swings. Even her sessions with her therapist are twisted ... a recurring theme in Kira's life. When she returns home for the funeral of her father, it's obvious her relationship with her mom (Kristin Carey) is distant at best, though she does seem to connect with her gay-artist-recovering addict younger brother Lucas (Emrhys Cooper). As with most other relationships in her life, this brotherly love may not be as solid as we are initially led to believe.

The small town where she grew up, and where mom and brother still live, is controlled by Richard Davenport (played by Richard Thomas) and his son Alden (Jon McCormick). While Richard presents himself as a charitable friend of the family, Kira's history with the Davenports generates something much deeper than mere bad feelings. Her hatred of the Davenports drives a further wedge in the broken relationship with her own mother - a mother oblivious to family secrets. Those secrets were kept in order to "protect" the mother, though it has created a kind of house of cards.

Kira is a raging alcoholic and her actions have caused pain and disruption to many others, but once we learn the whole story, her actions seem acceptable while the actions (or lack thereof) of others seem inexcusable. The pieces of this film that are worth watching are the performance of Ms. Mancinelli and the way Richard (John-Boy Walton) hides his true personality from others. It's a low budget film with atrocious make-up, uneven editing, and camera work that doesn't complement some of the scenes. As a statement for how sexual abuse can wreak havoc on the victim and their relationships, it makes an admirable point. As cinematic viewing, it's tough to recommend.

Left me cold

[hilary_mae-912-80561 · 1/10 · 22 July 2019]

However good the acting might be in this movie, there is absolutely nothing likeable about the film. Not the story and not the characters. No one in this film has any redeeming qualities. There is no success, no failures in this film. It plods along from one vile moment to the next.

I disliked each character in the film; they are all horrible individuals. The protagonist is so disgusting that she's performing sexual acts in the parking lot at her father's funeral. The character is badly damaged by horrific events of her past, but despite that, I could not muster up any compassion or understanding simply because she's so nasty and scummy to everyone.

The actress playing the protagonist is a woman who looks like she's an anorexic crack addict and that's disturbing to look at. That Richard Thomas is in this, makes it even creepier. He's always been creepy, but this film fit him to a T. This is a film where you want to have a long soapy shower afterwards to feel clean again and I couldn't make it to the end.

oh so bad

[watcher2019 · 1/10 · 12 January 2020]

I was expecting so much more from this film, i evenwatched it for 50 minutes...nothing! Very bad acting from the people playing the 2 lead roles as the brother and sister. she acted like a spoiled child that someone had stolen her dummy it from. Just bloody awful. Perhaps this film was really made to showcase her assets? Really? No no no no no dont bother with this.

Horrific

[cynthiadawn-774-468198 · 1/10 · 25 July 2019]

This movie is unbelievably bad. They must have paid the reviewers that gave it a 10." Terrible acting, storyline makes no sense, etc. There are people starving in this country-next time donate the money wasted on this production to a food bank.

I can barely give it two stars

[stormyweather_keeps_raining · 2/10 · 18 November 2019]

B movie, bad acting, terrible filming, wrong people for the parts, and a terrible storyline.

Wrong cast

[shona_916 · 1/10 · 29 August 2020]

Wrong cast used to tell this story. This movie was hard to watch because I was mostly confused by the ages. Especially when the high school friends came into the bar and then one was flashing her ring bragging. I was thinking if they've been dating since they were 15 years old and they're now in their 50s why does that even matter 40 years later? I understand that when Kira was younger she got raped by her Dad's best friend's son and the best friend then paid her Dad off the rest of his life to keep her silent. Instead of using a young actress to portray young Kira, they just put the old actress in an ugly wig. And something like that would make older Kira someone who was promiscuous and slept with absolutely EVERY and ANYONE? Huh? It seemed the kids were older than the Mom. Mom looked like she was in her early 40's, Lucas looked like he was in his late 40's and Kira looked like she was in her early 50's. So confused.

Lynn nailed it!

[M-o-n-a-3 · 7/10 · 5 August 2019]

Most of the cast did a good job. But, Lynn Mancinelli really depicted how shattered a victim could be. She radiated pain and rage. Jon McCormick and Emrhys Cooper were great too. The scenario was able to keep my tuned throughout the whole movie.

Waste of Time

[rotini-52586 · 1/10 · 14 October 2020]

Well....so far I'm an hour in and absolutely nothing had happened yet. The lines are so corny and the plot has yet to be revealed an hour in. Boring to say the least Just a horrible movie.

Double Chocolate Bonanza Brownies

[lavatch · 8/10 · 22 August 2019]

On the surface, there are happy memories of growing up in the Flynn family. Everyone in the town knows about the marvelous double chocolate bonanza brownies that were a family specialty. Now, the father has died, and the two wayward siblings, Kira and Lucas, have reunited with their mother Sheila to attend the their father's funeral. But the dark family secrets will slowly bubble to the surface and engulf the characters in a wild roller coaster ride of emotion.

In this explosive melodrama, the focal point of the family dysfunction is with the history of Kira Flynn. The film's Title of "The Price for Silence" is the price that more than any other character has been paid by Kira. But what actually is her secret that has made her so distraught that she battles alcohol and depression?

The film slowly reveals Kira's secret that has in turn led to a cascade of dysfunction not only in the Flynn family, but the entire town. Richard Davenport is the local business tycoon, who would appear to own the town. Does he even have the local psychiatrist in his hip pocket? What is clear is that he appears to own the hapless Flynn family.

The filmmakers have clearly taken an over-the-top approach with the melodrama, which some viewers may find excessive. But any shortcomings in the dialogue and the plotting are compensated with the well-etched characters. In turn, the cast was outstanding, especially the performer playing Kira, who carried the film from start to finish. The mother character was also strong, as she slowly comes out of her shell, as apparent in the moment when she opens one of the file boxes of her late husband. That experience of opening Pandora's box is a turning point in the film.

"The Prince for Silence" may not be a masterpiece. But in its craftsmanship and the stellar performances, it is a compelling piece of domestic tragedy.

A poignant film about a timely issue...

[TTTKATF · 9/10 · 5 August 2019]

A poignant film about a timely issue and its disturbing consequences. Unexpected twists. Clever foreshadowing. And, Richard Thomas - wow.

Whoa. Heavy stuff. Super topical

[tommyterrazzo · 10/10 · 21 May 2019]

Really cool, dark film touching on some very topical themes. With everything going on in the world today, this is right on the mark and with some great acting, too. Starts slow but delivers on all cylinders. Good stuff!

I'll never see JOhn-boy in the same light.

[cmarcon · 10/10 · 4 June 2019]

Effective acting by the main characters, especially the make-your-skin-crawl job by the sinister John-boy. This film is edge of your seat stuff. Don't miss it.

Amazing

[williamrbabcock · 10/10 · 1 October 2019]

I'll start by saying, like all films, this has its issues. That being said, they are easily overlooked because of the the way the story comes together and the spot on acting. Let's be honest, this is not a high budget crapfest that Hollywood pumps out... this is a an independent film, and by all means, feels like one. But that's not a bad thing.

The director crafts a well paced film that unfolds at an appropriate pace. There are some things that I wish were more clear, like why she returned home (the death of the father...maybe I missed that),but other than that, it kept me engaged.

The acting was believable, especially the brother and sister, and the direction elevated the film to a level that should have been recognized at a higher level. Maybe not the Oscar's, but some kind of recognition. I don't know.

And as a gay man, the gay jokes hit the mark for me every time. It does help to have a sense of humor...there is always humor where people find offense.

All in all I would say that this is a great potboiler that builds its steam over the course of it's running time. You know something is off throughout and when you get the climax, it's worth the wait.

I would recommend The Price For Silence not just for a great viewing experience, but for a cinematic thrill ride as well.

Powerful

[georgestohr · 10/10 · 25 May 2019]

Powerful performances on an emotionally charged and unfortunately timely subject. This film takes a look at the devastating long term consequences of sexual abuse for the victim and those around them.

Great film

[alliepatgerm · 9/10 · 21 July 2019]

Quality film! Would watch again and would highly recommend it to friends!

Great performances

[fredthejman · 10/10 · 23 May 2019]

The lead actress gives a solid performance and the entire cast seems dead on. Some great music, too. Kept you on your toes. Good stuff!

Germinario gets it.

[DaddioSugar · 10/10 · 28 May 2019]

I watched this after Tony Germinario's, Bad Frank, which I loved. The performances are memorable. Chilling. and left me wanting more. I recommend for mature audiences, rated R for good reason and very well done!

Could not take my eyes off the screen

[mjcproductions2011 · 10/10 · 22 July 2019]

Great cast, great direction, Lynn Mancinelli is outstanding. A victim of such abuse has a mind which causes behaviors that are very complicated to understand let alone embody. Lynn does it and she does it well. This is a heavy moviem, but worth watching, especially in this day and age. And I'll never see John-Boy the same way again.

OMG Richard Thomas

[bigboxofmagic · 10/10 · 28 May 2019]

Richard Thomas is sooooo bad :) Such a current topic. This is happening more than we're aware. Root for good, you'll see. Okayyy.

Powerful film

[robertbondonna · 9/10 · 17 May 2019]

Some great acting here with a very relevant topic. Strong across the board. Mancinelli does a great job.

More Like this.

[thedaddiosugar · 9/10 · 28 May 2019]

As a woman I want to see more like this. Strong beautifully fragile and kicking ass. Lynn Mancinelli is super.

Slow-moving but effective thriller.

[JTurner82 · 9/10 · 13 October 2019]

I was an extra in this movie (I appear about an hour in for one scene), so maybe my review will seem somewhat biased. However, despite a somewhat slow pace, Tony Germinario's thriller tale about a woman who returns to her home years after being abused at a party succeeds at making a strong statement against sexual harassment. Given that we have been seeing plenty of crimes like this happening in today's society, it's healthy to make a stand. Lynn Mancinelli gives a powerful turn as the woman in question, and similarly great performances are delivered by the rest of the cast. However, it's the tense, edge-of-your-seat finale that really makes THE PRICE FOR SILENCE worth a look.

There. I warned you I wouldn't be so critical.

loved this ending

[malibooty-14004 · 10/10 · 29 May 2019]

Bravo! Great acting, great script and great casting!

Kira: unlikeable from beginning to end!

[haroot_azarian · 5 October 2023]

I agree with one contributor who was spot on. None of the main characters where likeable, well except for the mother. I felt sympathy for her. For one thing she never knew what had happened to Kira all those years ago.

As for the main protagonist (but in fact she was an antagonist), like the same contributor said, in spite of what had happened to her and the trauma she had been through, I could not have any sympathy or compassion for her.

Kira was obnoxious, always high on drugs and alcohol, and honestly I did not see what the point of being nasty to her old school friends was. That scene at the bar, then screwing the guy in the parking lot where her dad's funeral was taking place. Basically all she did throughout the movie was invite everyone to BLEEP her!

I didn't like her brother either. He was as sl-tty as his sister, both of them pottymouthed duggies.

So if the director's objective was for the audience to feel empathy for Kira as "the victim" it did not work with me. I pretty much despised her throughout the movie. Even when she clobbers Richard Thomas to death and a little later gets his son, who had raped her and caused her trauma, arrested. Even towards the end when she joins her mom for coffee, I still could not bring myself to liking her.

So yeah, bad storyline and bad script.