With its simple yet effective sets, “The Ascent” is proof that budget doesn’t make a film. The banter between Cardenas and Marins sustains the movie, acting as a primary driving force. An air of mystery persists throughout much of the film, and it’s incredibly dialogue driven. Writer-director Tom Murtagh crafts a clever narrative which doesn’t show its hand until the final moments. When Cardenas queries what his stereotype is, she replies the zen master detective. Cardenas’ partner, Frank Oslo (Sam Rodd) is the stereotype sleazy cop. “If this were the movies, there’d be two-way glass.” This self-referential moment adds a comedic element which is delightfully meta. During the investigation, Vince comments on the interrogation room: “No two-way glass?” he wonders. If that domain isn’t already taken, it’s likely snagged soon. Vince runs a website Hollywood Skateboard Tours (and yes, it’s a live site). Notably, Buchanan as Marins steals almost every scene he’s in, infusing it with his quick wit and a frenetic energy.Ī bracing thriller, “The Ascent” is not without its humor. Over the course of the film, “The Ascent” focuses increasingly on Cardenas and Marins. Then, action jumps to present day with Cardenas solving his latest murder case, just before interrogating Marins.Īs “The Ascent” progresses, flashbacks periodically relay the tale of Maldonado’s rise to stardom and eventual death. It’s haunting dialogue: “They say she’s buried under a tree,” it explains of singer and pop icon Laura Maldonado ( Anisha Adusumilli) who was murdered under mysterious circumstances, and her body never recovered. The film begins with narration from a then-unknown character. Initially, the veteran detective was reluctant to allow Parker to oversee his case, but he eventually conceded. Meanwhile, budding journalist Regina Parker ( Amber Waller) observes Cardenas. Marins makes a bold claim that he’s something otherworldly, an assertion which Cardenas initially doubts. But as Cardenas probes the case, more than the present murder comes under investigation. However, the most challenging case of his career, murder suspect Vince Marins ( Stephen Buchanan), is taken into custody with Cardenas as lead detective. Seasoned LAPD detective Henry Cardenas ( Miguel Perez) is on the verge of breaking a Los Angeles police department record. Phenomenal acting, excellent dialogue, and exquisite writing drive this engaging supernatural thriller. With a humbling budget of less than $20,000, “ The Ascent” delivers a gripping narrative. 2017 indie film “ The Ascent” provides a breath of fresh air in film-making.
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