The opening moments of Tyler Michael James’ Low Life give the impression that the film is going to be another in-camera Vlogger tale, a la Spree. The footage sees Vlogger Benny Jansen (Wes Dunlop) talking directly to the camera. Benny is mid-recording on his YouTube series Creep Dunk, a show for which he unmasks predators. Posing online as underage girls, Benny sets up sting traps to expose them. He films the meetings and posts themes online for all to see. His first on-screen bust doesn’t go as well as expected, but does set up a sub-plot that will come into play later on.
Once out of ‘work mode’, Low Life switches to a more traditional camera set-up, the fourth wall now back in place. It’s a clever move from James as, although there is a way for the whole story to be told in vlogger format, it wouldn’t be as effective. By transitioning to a more formal way of shooting James is able to drive the tension within the story. What begins as Benny’s vlog video out in the world, in your face, bold and brash, becomes a single situation thriller. Having received a tip from teenager Nicole (Lucy Urbano) about her friend’s dad, Jason (Lucas Neff), Benny is working to bring him down. His work has captured the attention of the media and so he decides to take a hiatus. However, after being spurred on by his poker buddies, Benny forgoes his usual tactics and invites Jason to the house…
Once Jason arrives, Low Life kicks up a gear. Everything up until this point has had a light, almost jovial, tinge to it, but now it gets serious. The plan is for Benny and his friends to tease a confession out of Jason; however, things don’t go as planned. All of the sequences around the poker table are played for maximum intensity. Benny is trying to befriend this predator and in order to do so must portray the notion that he has the same proclivities as Jason. The conversations are icky to listen to and the friction between Jason and Benny is toe-curling.
With nothing to mask them, the performances shine out with both Dunlop and Neff being phenomenal during this portion of the film. Neff exudes sinister; Jason appears nervous and polite, but there’s a darkness bubbling under the surface that Neff conveys perfectly. Dunlop is equally great as Benny. Being the protagonist, Benny goes on a journey throughout the film. He starts all showboating bravado and ends in a much darker place. Reasons for Benny’s extreme method of exposing Jason, and people like him, are explained, at which point the audience starts to see him differently. His mission has a purpose and though some of his actions may raise an eyebrow or two, it makes for a compelling story.
After such an immersive and uncomfortable middle act, Low Life starts to unravel. The action moves from Benny’s home and the tension leaves with it. Some actions and decisions made during the poker game feel a little off, and push Low Life down a new path. This new direction spins the rest of the film on its head and muddies the waters a little too much. The reasons are sound, but the execution causes a disconnect from those that the audience should be attached to. This misstep doesn’t completely undo the hard work leading to it, but does ensure Low Life ends more on a whimper than a bang.
Low Life
Summary
Low Life is a gripping and absorbing thriller with an intensely uncomfortable second act that highlights the talents of all involved.
Low Life is available now on VOD in the US.
