TRIBAL GET OUT ALIVE
Directed by Matt Routledge
Starring: Zara Phyphian, Ross O'Hennessy, Thomas Dodd, Rachael Warren, Grayson James Matthews, Valerie Thomas
Caitlin and Brad served side by side in Afghanistan, and are now part of an elite security firm, often actioning eviction notices on behalf of the Bailifs. Given the task of making a final clearance of a farm estate, It seems like an arduous but simple task for the pair and their team, but things are not as they appear on the farm, and when the previous owner's dark secrets make themselves known, Brad and Kaitlyn must use all of their training and expertise to get everyone out alive…
Tribal: Get Out Alive delivers a number of interesting firsts whilst telling a dark visceral tale of survival at all costs.
After a short prologue which hints at the threat at large on the farm (a more satisfying way to start a film than resorting to in media res), we are introduced to our main protagonists, Caitlin and Brad, two ex-squaddies who've seen action in Afghanistan…perhaps too much action, as Caitlin suffers from short bursts of Post Traumatic Stress Condition. However she is able to channel these moments into an extra helping of violence.
When the team arrive at the farm, the film allows time for the other characters to be established - in particular Richard Kenning (Dodd), who has just inherited the farm from his deceased father. Kenning is *ahem* known to the police, in particular the two officers who are present for the clear-out. There is a real menace to Kenning when he squares up to PC Williams and its only Caitlin's quick thinking that dissipates the situation.
One of the many refreshing things about this film is that when the Threat starts to manifest itself, there is no preamble, or attempt to tease the audience (there may be one shot of a character moving in the background unseen by those in the foreground). As soon as the team realise two people are missing, its as if the film has suddenly turned direction and switched gears.
As things start to get nasty, Caitlin and Brad's military training instinctively kicks in as they calmly assess the situation, their options, and tend to the wounded. It's textbook military procedure and beats having someone yelling DON"T YOU DIE ON ME!! over and over (Looking at you, Rogue Warfare…).
The team are forced to split up, allowing Brad and Caitlyn to have for the most part separate nightmarish adventures. While Caitlyn is forced to witness the terrifying Butcher (a scene which remined me a lot of the first Wrong Turn movie), Brad and Richard encounter a young woman called Vanya (Valerie Thomas), who provides some context to what is happening. The information she provides acts as a catalyst in Richard, who up to this point has been moping along and antagonising everyone. However, being confronted by the nightmarish work conducted by his father alters his demeanor and leads him down an even darker path. Thomas Dodd does a great job bringing Richard Kenning to life. He's a grown-up spoilt rich kid who's had run-ins with the police, he has a chip on his shoulder about his upbringing but nevertheless feels obliged to live up to his father's legacy.
We've seen Zara Phythian the actress before and she's very good here as the cool headed Caitlin, but it's been a long time coming to finally see Zara's martial arts skills properly showcased on screen. She's an exciting person to watch, taking on multiple people at once, unleashing flurries of chain punches and kicks as well as using bladed weapons to deadly effect. The fights here aren't overly intricate but showcase her skills very well indeed. Thomas Dodd had already impressed as Kenning, but then to see him leaping in with spin kicks was pretty awesome.
THE VERDICT
In his interview with Gareth Evans, Scott Adkins recently made the point that The Raid is the new reference point for action movies, taking over from Die Hard. This is a low budget movie but nevertheless I did get a flavour of The Raid here, mixed with Neil Marshall's The Descent. But Tribal: Get Out Alive is definitely out on its own, fusing martial arts with visceral horror. Let's hope we're seeing the beginnings of the next new trend.
8 out of 10 RECOMMENDED
MikeOutWest