Pimped review: A one-night-stand takes a dangerous turn in this taut Australian thriller.
Pimped review by Kat Hughes.
Pimped Review
As Pimped opens, Peaches’ song ‘Fuck the Pain away’ plays over the top of a hedonistic party. Rather than be the sex happy film that the title and opening song suggest, Pimped is much more complex.
Sarah (Ella Scott Lynch) goes out partying, meets a guy – Lewis (Benedict Samuel) – and goes back to his place. Once there, she realises that Lewis isn’t the nice guy she first thought and, after being introduced to his housemate Kenny (Robin Goldsworthy), the night takes a murderous turn.
Set primarily over the course of a few hours, Pimped is an intimate film with very few players. An instance of a thriller whose story is so contained one could easily envision it on the stage. The lack of locations means that we hone in on our leads, so strong performances are key. Both Lynch and Samuel are great in their roles, both acting their parts with almost a dual layer to them. You’re never entirely certain which character is playing whom, it’s an interesting dynamic to see unfold.
Bathed in rich reds that heighten the tense and terse atmosphere, Pimped is also visually pleasing. The changing tones of light reflect on-screen actions and moods, working as their own distinct character. With so little action occurring, they add a welcome variety of aesthetics, keeping the viewer mostly engaged.
Pimped Review
The narrative’s momentum does begin to flag in parts however; there’s perhaps a little too much talking and not enough story to comfortably fill out the run-time. Nonetheless, this is a first-time feature so some imperfections can be forgiven. On a personal note, it’s great to see an Australian film screening at Frightfest that isn’t set in the outback. We all know that Australia has cities, and now we finally get cinematic proof!
A tautly scripted thriller that slowly seduces, Pimped has much more going on than it initially seems. Led by two strong central performances, expect scenes of a dark and violent nature, sans the typical blood and gore.
Pimped review by Kat Hughes, August 2018.
Pimped screened as part of Arrow Video Frightfest 2018. Pimped is available to own via Signature and their Frightfest Presents label from October 2018.
