Rich Goldstein makes his feature-length directorial debut with Kate Hugo: Murder After Mayhem. It is also the feature-length debut of screenwriter Elizabeth von Isser, who also stars as the title character. The screenplay is loosely inspired by Kate Warne, the first Pinkerton detective back in the 1800s. Does that mean the film only makes sense if one knows anything about Warne or Pinkerton detectives?
Extreme solar flares have decimated much of the world, especially its technology. The powers that be are trying to rebuild the United States and its wealth. To that end, the government establishes the Diamond Detective Agency, a law enforcement branch aimed at keeping the new banking system in check and fair for all. Detective Kate Hugo (Elizabeth von Isser) is assigned to a small town in Arizona after the local bank teller is murdered. She partners with Sheriff Jack Ward (John Mars), who is so inexperienced with murders that he moved the body before investigating the crime scene fully. The two officers interrogate everyone in town, but hone in on the murdered man’s sister Daphne (Aubyn Philabaum), bank owner Morton (Will Roberts), contract painter Jesus (José L. Rodriguez), the deceased’s best friend Garret (Craig Hensley), and local thug Samson (Sean Berube). With the main suspects all having reason to kill the teller, can Detective Hugo use her wits to suss out the murderer before it is too late?
Kate Hugo: Murder After Mayhem doesn’t focus on the lack of technology. It is brought up once, in reference to unnecessary driving and wasting “precious fuel.” Aside from that line, the lack of cellphones, computers, and whatnot is never the focus, nor should it be. The mystery is compelling enough to sustain audience interest for the entire hour-and-45-minute runtime. Hugo’s eccentric ways of investigating and interrogating make her stand out from the crowded quirky detective subgenre. She’s easy to root for, and even if her backstory is a little contrived, it works enough to make her three-dimensional and engaging. The rest of the characters are also interesting, Daphne especially.
Sheriff Jack Ward listens warily during the murder investigation in Kate Hugo: Murder After Mayhem.
“Detective Kate Hugo (Elizabeth von Isser) is assigned to a small town in Arizona after the local bank teller is murdered.”
Of course, the characters working has as much to do with the acting as it does the writing. Von Isser’s snide remarks roll out of her mouth as if second nature, making the comedy land most of the time. She also sells the detective angle well, playing smart with sheer confidence. She and Mars play the more stoic of the cops, but are still vulnerable when it counts. Hensley’s acting when he learns of the teller’s death is fantastic. Roberts is slimy yet a little sympathetic. Audiences can feel Rodriguez’s desperation from his first scene to his last. Berube is terrifying in all of his scenes. Philabaum is sweet and seems to truly care about everyone.
Goldstein’s direction is tight and taut, balancing the drama, razor-sharp humor, and mystery with ease. He and editor Jodi Binstock find a nice rhythm, meaning nothing drags or outstays its welcome. Most importantly, the director does little things to flesh out this semi-post-apocalyptic world that make it make sense. For instance, the bank provides Hugo with transportation, as it is otherwise prohibitively expensive.
Kate Hugo: Murder After Mayhem is a fun throwback mystery tale. The lack of most technology means that the psychology of the investigation is what’s most important. To that end, the filmmakers have crafted an engaging and clever whodunit. The world is unique, and the characters who populate it are interesting. The actors all understand the assignment and deliver accordingly. The title does imply that more Kate Hugo mysteries await, and they will be most welcome when they come around.
For screening information, visit the Kate Hugo: Murder After Mayhem official website.
"…a fun throwback mystery tale."
