Disrupted

The search for light in the darkness is a common theme in films. That light is often associated as a glimmer of hope emanating from almost impossible situations. In Andre Welsh’s thriller Disrupted, no one needs hope more than poor Pete (Ron Kaell). Pete is a recovering alcoholic and parolee, just trying to pay the rent and make his daughter proud of him. But like life…movie life…luck can never be on Pete’s side. His apartment building is getting an unaffordable gentrified update, and his lucrative shift at the bar has been given to a younger, better-looking bartender. Also, Pete’s still searching for his wife’s killer.

When nothing goes your way, life…movie life…has a way of heaping on more misfortune. Unbeknownst to Pete comes a series of sub-plots, just crying out for Pete to get involved. Let’s start with real estate mogul, Harry Price (Geoffrey Lower). He’s a conflicted man who loses his Obsidian Card at a gas station. A local thug, Sherman (Drew Seeley), picks it up and begins a shopping spree along with a stop at a strip bar. While at a dinner party, Harry gets several messages from his bank regarding potential fraudulent charges. For fun, Harry accepts the charges and decides to go hunting for the thug, packed only with a set of brass knuckles.

“…intertwine with one another in an odd game of cat and mouse…really, it’s cat and cat.”

Also in the picture is Jay (Chioke Jelani Clanton), who drives for a rideshare company under different identities. This can’t be good. Jay and his partner, Prez (Ahku), work together to find their next big mark, that they can manhandle and rob. Today, it’s real estate mogul Harry Price.

There are about four storylines here that intertwine with one another in an odd game of cat and mouse…really, it’s cat and cat. With so much going on, writer/director Andre Welsh somehow manages to tell an easy to follow story filled with action and thrills. An amazing feat for this low-budget thriller. In the end, events come full circle on the murder of Pete’s wife, albeit a little predictable.