A knockout suspense machine, Title Media and Lone Suspect deliver a satisfying medical thriller, Painkillers, starring Adam Huss and Madeline Zima. Director Roxy Shih blends aspects of a tragic romantic drama with a morality play into one great thriller!
After a terrible car crash in which his son dies, brilliant surgeon John Clarke (Adam Huss), tormented by guilt, becomes prey to an unbearable physical pain. While his marriage starts disintegrating, John soon finds out that the only thing that can ease his pain is the taste of human blood. When he encounters Herb Morris (Grant Bowler), a man who claims he can help him get his life back, John embarks upon a nightmarish journey through which he will either have to come to terms with his pain… or become a monster.
Here are 5 reasons why you should see Painkillers:
5) Adam Huss!
Actor Adam Huss introduces John Clarke as a distracted father who struggles carrying out the responsibilities of work and family. Huss captures the physical and mental torment of a guilt-ridden father driven to the edge. Huss brings out a physicality trait, the unstoppable shaking, that adds so much weight to the tragedy.
4) Madeline Zima!
Beaming with charisma, actress Madeline Zima evokes John’s wife, Chloe, with so much heart and sadness. Zima’s powerfully sympathetic performance is quite memorable because she brings out Chloe’s desperation. Zima captures Chloe’s loneliness with her somber expressions as her character attempts to single-handedly care for her traumatized husband.
3) Grant Bowler!
Grant Bowler is phenomenal as the antagonist, Herb Morris. Charming and sleazy at the same time, Herb Morris has a Faustian deal to offer John. Viewers will surely notice Bowler having fun with this type of role as Herb thrives on being bad.
2) A Cool Twist!
Director Roxy Shih keeps a grounded version of vampirism, keeping the focus on science and medical jargon. It’s a new and interesting take on vampires as John needs to feed on blood in order to fix himself. John’s unstable need for blood echoes withdrawal symptoms you would typically see with junkies.
1) A Well-Crafted Thriller!
A well-crafted thriller, Painkillers makes great use of its solid cast.The performances here from Adam Huss and Madeline Zima are absolutely incredible to watch!
Painkillers arrives in in select theaters January 31st and on VOD February 4th, 2019.