A macho underground world of power and violence that is oddly compelling but deeply unpleasant as illegal gambling on survival tests the limits of acceptance.
Desperately short of cash with his father in hospital without sufficient health insurance, electrician Vince Ferro (Sam Riley) takes on a dead man’s identity. Having overheard plans that should guarantee big bucks, Sam travels incognito in the hope of saving his father and the family home. But the remote country house, the expectation placed on him and 12 others along with the level of money passing hands leaves the thirteen comatose with fear.
An English-language remake of his Sundance-winning Georgian film 13 Tzameti, director Géla Babluani certainly attracted a top notch cast for what is ultimately a deeply distasteful narrative. Ruthless Jason Statham has more than $2 million on brother Ronald (Ray Winstone) but it appears Ben Gazzara is pulling the financial strings as the likes of Mickey Rourke look to survive the night of deep, psychological trauma and violence.
Rating: 40%
Director: Géla Babluani (13 Tzameti, Money)
Writer: Géla Babluani (13 Tzameti, Money), Greg Pruss (Marlowe)
Main cast: Sam Riley (Control, On the Road), Jason Statham (Spy, The Bank Job), Mickey Rourke (The Wrestler, Angel Heart)
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