In Condition of Return, AnnaLynne McCord plays Eve Sullivan, a young woman who finds herself on the precipice of death row after committing a heinous crime. After claiming that the Devil made her do it, Doctor Donald Thomas (Dean Cain) is called in to assess Eve’s state of mind. As the two converse, details about Eve’s life are revealed, some of which spin everything on its head. What exactly is the truth and what will that mean for Eve?
AnnaLynne McCord is best known for portraying spoiled rich girl Naomi in the reboot teen series, 90210. Since that show finished though the actor has been very selective in what projects she chooses. Rather than sticking to safe or star-spangled prospects, McCord is not afraid to stray into murkier water. A key example of her canny eye for a script is 68 Kill. Her role, Liza, is a firecracker of a character and allowed McCord to go some very dark and somewhat depraved directions. McCord is a rare example of an actor without vanity. She is unafraid to mess up her beautiful appearance as witnessed in Excision. Condition of Return continues this trend. Eve’s appearance is stripped back and make-up light. It takes a brave actor to expose themselves so intimately, but as McCord proves time and time again that the risk is often worth it.
It’s not just the less polished appearance that presents Eve as a challenging character. Events within Condition of Return are confronting and will unsettle those sensitive to the topics. Over the course of the narrative a variety of taboo and troubling issues are explored. McCord handles the challenge brilliantly and Condition of Return’s ambition of venturing into these areas makes it an absorbing watch.
What is so fascinating about Condition of Return is that although it begins as a standard police confessional procedural, it gradually reveals hidden layers. Once exposed, everything is spun on its head and suddenly Condition of Return has more in common with the horror genre than standard drama. It’s an exciting and unexpected blend of genres that makes what could otherwise be a generic movie of the week style story; it is well worth seeking out.
Condition of Return
Summary
A bold spin on a tired structure, Condition of Return’s unexpected ties to horror enrich the story and elevate the enjoyment factor.
Condition of Return will open for weeklong runs in markets nationwide on September 22, including Los Angeles, Phoenix, Chicago, Denver, Dallas and Oklahoma City. The film will be available to rent or own on Vudu and Cable services the same day. On October 23, Condition of Return will bow on iTunes, Prime Video and other TVOD Digital Platforms.
