Writer-director Fabian Farina’s third feature-length film is the sequel to Sacrum Vindictae, appropriately titled Sacrum Vindictae II. I haven’t seen the first one, which could make this outing a tad confusing. So, does the filmmaker create a way in for newbies while still picking up the threads for prior fans to follow?
Hitman Nathaniel (Farina) is thought dead by those who ordered his demise. However, he survives the ordeal and seeks revenge but soon finds a better angle. See the contractor sent to murder Nathaniel was his friend Lamar (Tyrone Reeves), who only did so to keep his wife and daughter safe. This explains why Lamar shot Nathaniel in the shoulder instead of the chest. When they catch wind of a hit on Philly mob boss Falco (John Jezior), Lamar and Nathaniel decide to use this to their advantage. But what is Falco’s life worth to him and can they escape the heat the New York bosses are bringing?
“…they catch wind of a hit on Philly mob boss Falco…”
Sacrum Vindictae II sets itself apart from other indie productions by virtue of its camera angles. Farina uses all the space available in any given room, not simply getting the establishing coverage and close-ups. This provides the production with visual flair, aiding in guiding viewers into and through the mafia-assassin underworld. The filmmaker, alongside Mariano A. Mattei, edits in a flashy but unobtrusive way. Yes, this owes a debt to Tarantino, as hitmen have clever discussions while a labyrinthine narrative twists about them. But, Farina leaves his own substantial stamp on the material.
The cast is also terrific. Farina is menacing and intense. Reeves is calm and cool. The two play off each other well, adding an engaging dynamic. Jezior is believable as this high-ranking mob man, while his treacherous underling eats up all the scenery. The actors are clearly having fun and bring the screenplay to life quite well.
Sacrum Vindictae II is an engaging, twisty mob flick. The direction impresses with its use of space, and the cast nails their respective parts. While not the most original story out there, Farina finds a fresh, interesting way to tell it.
For more information, visit the official Sacrum Vindicate II site.
"…engaging, twisty..."
