[Review] Downrange (Cinepocalypse, 2017): Gripping But Poorly Timed Thriller Undone By Unhinged Final Act - by Doc Rotten

Doc Rotten dives into another film from the fantastic Cinepocalypse Film Festival held in Chicago from November 2nd through the 9th. Downrange (2017) proves to be a gripping thriller from director Ryuhei Kitamura (Versus, Godzilla: Final Wars, The Midnight Meat Train) featuring Kelly Connaire, Stephanie Pearson, and Rod Hernandez. The plot is extremely minimalistic with a group of friends stranded on an isolated stretch of rural country road with no cell reception. Soon, they discover that a sniper is in the trees nearby taking them out one by one, toying with them as the day creeps into night. The premise is wrought with tension but the current real-life environment makes this a difficult film to watch with a sense of entertainment which is unfortunate for the filmmakers. But, it is also too hard to ignore. The film is either a few years too late or a few years too early to make the most of the story. The movie itself has its own troubles as the conclusion robs much of the film of its tension. However, the acting from leads Kelly Connaire and Stephanie Pearson is the film's strongest asset.