Viewers are in for an emotionally charged psychological thriller with 86 Melrose Avenue, starring Dada Elza and Anastasia Antonia. Writer/director Lili Matta fills up the screen with suspenseful tensions and exceptional performances.
Plot: “A diverse group of people at a gallery opening is taken hostage by an ex-Marine suffering with PTSD and forced to confront their cultural differences, their pasts, and their looming mortality as time ticks away.”
Here are 5 reasons why you should watch 86 Melrose Avenue:
5) Dada Elza!
The narrative focuses on Travis (played by Dada Elza), an ex-Marine suffering from PTSD. Elza has to do two things with his character. One, Elza has to portray someone mentally unhinged because Travis is forcing hostages to do his bidding. Two, Elza has to show a sympathetic side towards Travis because his traumatic past continues to haunt him. Elza does a spectacular job presenting the tragic and frightening aspects of his character.
4) Anastasia Antonia!
Anastasia Antonia exudes such a pleasing charm in the role of Nadia. At the gallery, Nadia has to win over the attendees with her charming personality. Antonia captures the fear and damage as the hostage situation revisits the worst parts of Nadia’s past.
3) The Hostage Thriller!
Writer/director Lili Matta takes viewers back to the ‘70s and explores the hostage drama, much like The Taking of Pelham 123 did. What I mean is, the ‘70s dramas would have the hostages verbally clashing with their takers. In 86 Melrose Avenue, it’s more about the hostages exploring their own humanity and finding an emotional connection with Travis.
2) The Direction!
Writer/director Lili Matta also does something interesting in the final act. I’m going to try not to spoil too much, but I really enjoyed how the third act serves as an epilogue. Audiences get to see whether or not the experience has changed the hostages. Have they become a better person? Or do they remain unchanged? I loved this exploration of human nature and morality.
1) Gripping Performances!
With a great ensemble cast, every minute of 86 Melrose Avenue delivers exceptional performances. Audiences are going to enjoy this well-crafted film that hits its profound message home.
86 Melrose Avenue is now available to watch on VOD.