The Way Out
The Way Out is a psychological thriller directed by Barry Jay.
The film follows Alex (Jonny Beauchamp), a young man dealing with the aftermath of his abusive father’s death. Alex is stuck in a dead-end job as a pizza delivery driver and struggling with addiction. His life takes a significant turn when he learns that his abusive father has died of a massive heart attack, leaving him with an inherited house and a load of debt.
Alex meets Shane (Mike Manning), a mysterious and dangerous stranger who rents a room in the newly inherited house. Shane quickly becomes a significant influence on Alex, teaching him how to fight and encouraging him to confront his past traumas. This relationship has dark undertones and Shane’s influence pushes Alex to his limits, both physically and mentally, as he grapples with his identity, sexuality, and the remnants of his father’s abusive legacy.
The film features strong supporting performances from Sherri Shepherd as Veronica and Ashleigh Murray as Gracie. Veronica and Gracie represent the stabilising forces in Alex’s life, providing a counterbalance to Shane’s destructive influence.
The Way Out does a decent job in conveying the impact of past traumas on one’s present and future. Alex’s abusive upbringing has left deep scars, leading him to struggle with alcoholism and low self-esteem. The film delves into how these unresolved issues can manifest in destructive ways if not properly addressed. Shane’s arrival acts as a catalyst for Alex to confront these issues head-on, albeit through a path that is fraught with danger and moral ambiguity.
As Alex becomes more influenced by Shane, he begins to embrace a more aggressive and confrontational approach to his problems.
Jonny Beauchamp’s portrayal of Alex shows an emotional depth, capturing the character’s vulnerability and inner turmoil effectively. The script is a little stilted at times which, without the good performances from the cast would probably be much more harming to the overall film.
The cinematography, while largely fine, does tend to go a little on the dark side at times. I think it’s meant to give the pyschological thriller element more bite but I don’t think it helps at all.
The Way Out is a psychological thriller that offers a deep dive into the themes of trauma, revenge, and self-discovery. It features strong performances, particularly from Jonny Beauchamp and Mike Manning, and presents a compelling narrative about a young man’s struggle to overcome his past and redefine his future.
Despite the slight issues with scripting and picture quality it’s definitely one for any fan of psychological thrillers.
The Way Out is available now on digital from Scatena & Rosner Films
