Painkillers (2018)

Plagued by guilt following the death of his son in a car crash, John Clarke, a brilliant surgeon comes to realize that the only thing that can ease his pain is the taste of human blood.

Director:

Roxy Shih

Writer:

Giles Daoust

Stars:

Madeline Zima, Mischa Barton, Naomi Grossman

2 wins & 4 nominations.

Cast

Credited cast:
Madeline Zima	...	Chloe Clarke
Mischa Barton	...	The Girl / Sarah Mendelsohn
Naomi Grossman	...	Nurse Sheralyn
Debra Wilson	...	Gail Konrad
Grant Bowler	...	Herb Morris
Maria Olsen	...	Carla Franken
Adam Huss	...	John Clarke
James Logan	...	Jack Crane
Nicole Reddinger	...	Make Out Girl
Tate Birchmore	...	Brian
Kim Estes	...	Reporter #1
Brandy Redd	...	Hooker
Anthony Ma	...	Dealer
Ana Harrison	...	Reporter #2
Stephen Wastell	...	Bartender

Storyline

Plagued by guilt following the death of his son in a car crash, John Clarke, a brilliant surgeon comes to realize that the only thing that can ease his pain is the taste of human blood.

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Genres:

Drama | Thriller

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Did You Know?

Trivia

Shown at the Nevermore Film Festival on March 8-10, 2019.

User Reviews

Very interesting and very different.

6/10 is not a bad rating in my opinion. There is no huge drama or suspense. I think this was never intended. Occasional moments of violence flow but don't over dominate the story. There is no certain conclusion to the film. And if you watch it you may share my opinion it does not need one. The uncertainty of life and addiction does not need one. I thought it was very well acted by the main actor and the actor playing the sinister role. Was this intended as an example of addiction in a different premise to show it is not a choice of life of it or just the situation of a character in an almost impossible to escape or both? I don't know if it is one or both of them. Or maybe just a different take on vampire films? Whichever way what is given to you is a film which is in no way entertaining. It is gruelling in its horrible story of a man who has not made wrong choices in his life though feels he has. It is unclear for some from the offset of opening scenes. If I had done his actions in the first scenes I would have blamed myself. But I don't blame him for his actions at the start. That put you in to his psyche from the start. I would blame myself for what initially happens at the start of the film. But I in no way at all think he is guilty of anything and it is just a terrible event. That, I think, may be the intent of the filmmakers. If so that is very deep thinking of an uncontrollable event that leads to a mental torture and then into addiction to blank out the pain. I could imagine myself unravelling very quickly in to a non confirming life only controlled with the use of anything, in this case blood (as a metaphor?). And again can see if someone else in that situation had suffered itto think they should have no guilt. I found this very interesting and quite upsetting. It opened more unanswered questions than it answered. Almost like life itself. I can't give it higher for me 6/10 because it is not a huge blockbuster that will never be forgotten. That causes me guilt. I need a fix. Blood!

Sorry, I just had to end on a joke. Amusement is sometimes my fix. Luckily! I was taken by this movie a lot. I hope you do to if you decide to view.

Details

Country:

Belgium

Release Date:

31 January 2019 (USA)

Also Known As:

Painkillers

Company Credits

Production Co:

Lone Suspect, Title Media

Technical Specs

Runtime:

83 min