Based on the popular Thai horror film 13: Game of Death, Daniel Stamm's 13 Sins is a dark and intense psychological thriller that not only lives up to its source material, but goes beyond in crafting a fun and haunting film that will please both mainstream and genre fans alike.
Telling the story of Elliot, a recently fired salesman who is drowning in debt and about to marry the love of his life, 13 Sins takes no prisoners as it hits the ground running from the onset. While the initial phone call to Elliot seems simple enough, his downward spiral into the dark and disgusting world of greed allows the film to dissect human nature and see just what someone will do for money when placed on the edge of desperation.
Daniel Stamm, who boasts an impeccable eye for filmmaking, uses his unique approach to create a thought-provoking film that benefits greatly from its quick pace and unique angle. It's a nasty premise that will trouble many, but for those who get it, the occasional dark humor that is sandwiched between troubling images of torment and murder offers just enough relief to keep you off balance as you watch the troubling events unfold.
Mark Webber, in one of his most solid performances of late, stars as Elliot. Though he is the central character in the story and does a phenomenal job at creating a down-on-his-luck man you want to root for, it is the supporting work of Devon Graye, Rutina Wesley and Ron Perlman that allows the film to reach the heights that it does. Their combined chemistry gives the film a heart, permitting it to have a moral compass as it sends its characters through a gauntlet of decisions, each deterring the fate of both themselves and the ones they love.
I will admit that 13 Sins shows its cards a bit earlier than I would have liked, and Perlman's role in the film is a bit underwhelming; however, as Elliot begins to near that coveted thirteenth task, you can't help but begin to expect the worst. It should be noted that some of the rules to the game are left unclear; though Elliot appears to struggle with the same situation, having overlooked the details at the opportunity to make a quick buck and presumably buy his problems away.
In the end, 13 Sins is anything but a horror film. But with a handful of deaths and a hidden comedic undertone, it truly is a dark and mysterious film worth checking out.
