Is The Samaritans Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2020)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Debuting in 2020, The Samaritans represents a sophisticated intersection of artistic ambition and genre-defining elements within the Horror, Thriller category. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into Four co-workers get together to finish a project at their manager's home. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Horror, Thriller 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: "Four co-workers get together to finish a project at their manager's home. They haven't actually met face to face and they discover they have more in common than the new App they are perfecting. As they piece together their histories, they realize that each of them has a deadly secret that could reveal a way out or seal their fates. Their pasts have provoked a vengeful force to show them the errors in their ways. The home they have been summoned to becomes their court and their prison. Can they prove that history doesn't repeat itself? Can they redeem themselves before time runs out? Will they figure out their fateful bond before revenge has its way with them?"

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. In The Samaritans, we see Keith Collins utilizing their established screen presence to carry the story forward. It is a solid, workmanlike performance that serves the director's vision without overshadowing the larger narrative goals.

The direction by Doug Bollinger 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 76 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 The Samaritans 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 Horror, Thriller, 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 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, The Samaritans explores the dichotomy of fear and discovery. The 2020 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Doug Bollinger 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, The Samaritans 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 Keith Collins or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, The Samaritans is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.