Is Connected Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2021)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

In the evolving tapestry of Action, Crime, Drama cinema, the 2021 release of Connected stands as a landmark endeavor that pushes the boundaries of conventional storytelling. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into The story of Genaro Costelli, a young man growing up in a neighborhood that is controlled by the Mafia. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Action, Crime, Drama are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "The story of Genaro Costelli, a young man growing up in a neighborhood that is controlled by the Mafia. Despite the teachings of his family and church, he is tempted by the extravagant and seemingly care-free lifestyle of his "friends". The lure of mystery, power and intrigue are to powerful for Genaro to resist and he soon finds himself caught up in a web of danger, contradiction and betrayal. After suffering personal and family sacrifice he must face the most difficult challenge of his life, that is, how to live free of the tenacious life-long grip of the mob. Add to this the love of a young woman he is trying to protect and how he must choose between his love for her and his obligations to the mob."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. Shelly Marks does an admirable job with the material provided, but one can't help but feel that a more daring directorial approach would have yielded a more impactful result. It is a competent but ultimately standard genre performance.

The direction by Michael Eric is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 110 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Connected truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Action, Crime, Drama, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 3.5/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Connected explores the dichotomy of strength and vulnerability. The 2021 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Michael Eric respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Connected is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Shelly Marks or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Connected is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.