Fresh off High Rise, director Ben Wheatley’s ensemble-cast bottle shootout has been in the works since mid-2015. The 70’s-based film follows two gangs and their firefight in an abandoned warehouse. Confusion and gunfire run rampant, with one character even dryly remarking, “I’ve forgot whose side I’m on,” while every quick cut is accompanied with a muzzle flash or a quick-witted comment.
Sharlto Copley (District 9, Hardcore Henry) and Brie Larson (Room, Trainwreck) are still on the rise as Cillian Murphy (Peaky Blinders, 28 Days Later) stands smoking in the shadows. Former Wheatley ensemble member, Michael Smiley (Kill List), returns, grimacing upon first appearance, though thankfully, has room to be as funny as he’s been in the past. Noah Taylor (Red, White & Blue, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), Sam Riley, Babou Ceesay (Eye in the Sky, Severance), Armie Hammer (The Social Network, The Lone Ranger), and many more wonderful actors, take part in what looks like one of the most enjoyable films in the foreseeable future.
The only concern I have with the recent release of Free Fire’s trailer is how much it appears to give away, particularly one semi-big reveal. While disappointing due to the amount of what it shows, the reveals do not deduct from the energy and excitement emanating from even just initial cast reveal.
Free Fire is expected to debut in early 2017.
