Not Forgotten

Anchor Bay Entertainment

R4 DVD

Not Forgotten is an intriguing cross genre film which mixes together elements of the supernatural, horror and a suspense film. The background to the movie is within La Santa Muerte, a cult which brings together Catholicism with Mexican indigenous ritual practices. It is focused on La Santa Muerte (The Holy Death) who is understood to be the saint for revenge. It is a tradition unique to towns along the United States Mexican border. It has its own unusual practices, priesthood and practitioners and is certainly not considered orthodox by the wider Catholic community.

Simon Baker, who normally plays more mainstream roles, is impressive as Jack Bishop. He seems to be a dedicated father, respected in his local community and well loved by his second wife and daughter. His daughter believes her mother died when she was young and the only trouble the family seems to have is minor “coming of age” issues.

However, Jack is not what he seems, he used to be a hit-man for crime syndicates connected to La Santa Muerte and undertook many brutal murders on their behalf. After years in their pay he took his daughter and constructed a new life but now the past has returned and his daughter is missing.

The first section of the film is nicely constructed with glimpses of the strange cult and the depiction of Jack as a bewildered man who has lost his daughter. Slowly, as clues mount, you know something is not quite right but are not sure exactly who is responsible. Has Jack’s daughter been kidnapped by a sexual predator? Why does Jack pretend he doesn’t know Spanish and yet occasionally his knowledge slips? What about the prostitutes who all seem to know him but he pretends he does not know them?

The intrigue is well played and for a long time you are not sure if this is a supernatural or crime thriller. As you come to understand Jack’s background the pace (and violence) of the film increases as he returns to his old ways in a desperate search for his daughter. The ending is not expected and a superb twist.

This is an extremely well directed film which uses an unusual cultural background to great effect; the mysterious imagery, the blending of indigenous and Catholic elements, psychics and occultism all throw you off the trail of what is essentially a tale of murder and revenge. The cinematography is excellent using constant long and slow shots to create a world in which everything is a potential threat and no one is quite what they seem. Simon Baker is very accomplished in the lead role and the way he transforms from “family man” to violent killer who will do anything to get his kid back is superbly portrayed. The scene where he tortures a suspect with broken bottles will have you cringing.

This is a the directorial debut from Drur Soref who also wrote the script with Tomás Romero, you will find it a intriguing, challenging and rewarding work of cinema.

Reviews appear on the Synergy website with a single cover image. In the digital and print edition, reviews appear with multiple images and with expanded content. We recommend you download the free digital edition (or buy the print edition) to get the most from Synergy Magazine.

This review will appear in Volume 2 No.5 (2009) of the digital and print edition of Synergy Magazine.

If you came to this page directly (and missed our menu), click here to go to the front page of Synergy Magazine Website or click the following link: http://www.synergy-magazine.com