Pretty young suburbanites Elise (Christensen) and Craig (Metcalfe) live a pitch perfect life. Theyve a gorgeous home, impressive careers and then theres their most treasured possession, a young son the pair both dote on. However their dreamy white picket existence is soon shattered when the youngster is snatched from their front lawn.
The parents immediately descend into a panic, and a frantic police search ensues, but any chance of a happy outcome is dashed when the young boys body is found battered and a local paedophile (Mosley) is arrested for the gruesome crime. The grieving couple are then forced to let the justice system intervene, but are dismayed when their childs murderer is given an all too lenient sentence. Taking the law into their own hands, the couple abduct and hold hostage their sons killer and prepare to deal out some much deserved eye for an eye vengeance.
Youd be forgiven for thinking the plot of The Tortured sounds familiar. The recently reviewed French-Canadian thriller 7 Days boasts much the same plot. But while 7 Days made for a provoking thriller, boasting standout performances and constantly questioning audience perceptions, The Tortured adopts a far simpler approach.
This isnt necessarily a bad thing, especially as The Tortured stands at a paltry 81 minutes. Were certainly left wanting for more complex characters, murkier developments and engaging plot; but the streamlined approach keeps the focus on the cards we are dealt. The characters are all clear cut and well drawn, with smart casting across the board. The fresh faces of a surprisingly impressive Jesse Metcalfe and engaging Erika Christensen both play off against each other successfully and serve as a perfect contrast to the haggard features of horror stalwart Bill Mosley.
The story also launches strongly, delivering a harrowing first act thatll knot stomachs and leave lingering images in the minds of its audience. But this success isnt sustained, and before too long The Tortured descends into run of the mill torture porn. Once the first wince-inducing act of revenge has been dealt from the grief stricken parents, the film rarely resurfaces from these stomach churning waters. Its a shame the promising potential here is all too quickly shrugged off for cheap and nasty tactics, because when its at its strongest, The Tortured has all the makings of a memorable movie.
Overall Verdict: The Tortured should more than satisfy the appetites of your average gore hound, but unfortunately suffers from something of a personality crisis. It starts of well, mooring itself in harrowing and uncomfortable territory, but ultimately sacrifices its credibility for cheap and nasty horror movie gimmickry.
Special Features:
Cast and Crew Interviews
Behind the Scenes Featurette
Reviewer: David Steele