The movie's opening slyly draws the viewer into the commentary on the inadequacy of our health care system and the desperation that it causes. The main characters are richly portrayed through the exceptional acting of both leading men, Rey Goyos and Michael Teh. Jennifer Prediger's depiction of a brittle woman was spot on, and added comic relief, as well as tension. The music was perfect, and the cinematography exquisite. Sarrow's screenplay confronts both our current health care system and the lack of ethics in the advertising industry. Sarrow's direction is tight, and wastes no time in creating tension between the two lead actors. He has brought out the complexity of the characters, and added multiple layers and differing perspectives. I await his next film. Hopefully, Sarrow will continue to confront the ills plaguing our society.
8 Reviews
Thrilling film
kousilyacs9 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This low budget film exceeded my expectations! The plot is engaging and the character development will get you thinking about life and death. This film touches on real world concepts and issues and is very much appreciated when it comes to challenging conversations related to money and health. Huge shout out to Michael Sarrow, fellow University of Miami Hurricane for demonstrating his talent in art and film. This film was produced thoughtfully and truly showcases the talent of team. I look forward to future films! A series or part 2 of this film would be phenomenal! Would watch again and share with others!
Constant Entertainment!
marcus-7147612 September 2023
Really enjoyed the constant twists that this film provides. Just when you think you know how things are going to play out you're hit with a plot twist! I thought the actors did a tremendous job. The director really did an incredible job tying the film into real life dilemmas that people face every day. Especially when it comes to the inability to afford health care in the US. Also really thought the background music paired with the scenes added a really nice added element of suspense. If you enjoy phycological thrillers with plenty of twists and turns I'm confident you'll thoroughly enjoy this one!
Kept me on the edge of my seat
jmm-8669610 September 2023
An incredibly entertaining and enjoyable movie that kept me on the edge of my seat. Sarrow's character development was impeccable. The narrative led me on an emotional rollercoaster, where my predictions of the plot line were immediately challenged over and over again. Just when you think you know what will happen, you find out you were wrong. It's amazing! The underlying themes of inequity in healthcare access and socioeconomic disparities had me and my partner discussing this movie for hours after we left the theater. The actors represented their roles beautifully. I recommend this masterpiece to all. I cannot wait to share it with family and friends, and will be looking forward to future films from Sarrow.
There's room at the top they are telling you still...
mjkanaly21 September 2023
....but first you must learn how to smile as you kill. I really enjoyed this suspenseful dark comedy. Smart writing that hit home on a lot of issues in today's society. Plenty of thoughtful details and interesting Easter eggs. Check out the lyrics to John Lennon's Working Class Hero to see where the film's title is from. The film pays homage to Ingmar Bergman and has a bit of a throwback vibe in a good way. I saw it at the Silicon Valley Film Festival in the Los Angeles Chinese Theater. I am excited to see what the writer director does next. I highly encourage you to check out this film and support independent film makers.
Great film - I didn't see the plot twist coming.
barrywrightjr1 October 2023
Great writing and directing Michael Sarrow! The chemistry between Rey Goyos and Michael Teh is amazing. I haven't seen a film shot this well with two actors who own the screen in one room for the duration of the movie in a long while.
It was brilliant how both men emotionally tussled over the power dynamic. Good access to Healthcare is often overlooked by the privileged. Great depictions of how the privileged and the underserved both can both easily give in to human nature.
Great score by Gg Grigorian. The musical ensembles kept pushing the movie forward and had great escalation as the movie temperature rose.
I won't drop any spoilers... but this movie is certainly worth a watch!
It was brilliant how both men emotionally tussled over the power dynamic. Good access to Healthcare is often overlooked by the privileged. Great depictions of how the privileged and the underserved both can both easily give in to human nature.
Great score by Gg Grigorian. The musical ensembles kept pushing the movie forward and had great escalation as the movie temperature rose.
I won't drop any spoilers... but this movie is certainly worth a watch!
Well written and well acted, great dark humor.
dave-3546629 October 2023
Wasn't sure what to expect going into this film. Ended up being a very interesting commentary on American consumerism, healthcare, and having your faith truly tested.
The two leads, while relatively unknown, turned in great performances and it's really the chemistry between the two of them that makes this film so riveting.
The tension is constant, but the humor lands so well that the tension doesn't overwhelm. There are a few twists and turns along the way that had the theater gasping in one moment and audibly elated the next.
It walks the fine line between comedy and tragedy in a way that I just found to be so brilliant. Highly recommend Smile as you Kill.
The two leads, while relatively unknown, turned in great performances and it's really the chemistry between the two of them that makes this film so riveting.
The tension is constant, but the humor lands so well that the tension doesn't overwhelm. There are a few twists and turns along the way that had the theater gasping in one moment and audibly elated the next.
It walks the fine line between comedy and tragedy in a way that I just found to be so brilliant. Highly recommend Smile as you Kill.
A Dark Dive into Human Desperation and Moral Dilemmas
burtlampl31 May 2024
I watched "Smile As You Kill" by Michael Sarrow, and WOW! 🎥 This movie has everything - suspense, emotion, and a dark twist that keeps you hooked. Rico Allende's (Rey Goyos) story is a gut-wrenching portrayal of human desperation, while Terry Tanner's (Michael Teh) character adds a layer of complexity and moral ambiguity that's hard to shake off, making this script a powerful commentary on society. As a movie, it promises to be a thought-provoking and thrilling watch. Get ready to question everything you think you know about right and wrong. This is not just a movie, it's an experience. #EmotionalThriller #FilmCritic #MustWatch.
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