REDUX REDUX

4 stars

Blue Finch Film Releasing. Digital. 23rd February

The film opens dramatically with Irene Kelly (Michaela McManus) standing over a man strapped to a chair being burnt alive. She remains unmoved as he screams. Cut to her being strangled by a man – she manages to get free and shoots him. She then finds a box with wrist tags with numbers on.

Later in a diner she is peering at the cook in the kitchen in the back. She follows him home. Creeping in, she confronts the sleeping man, gun in hand. ‘Where’s her body? Number 12’ – He ends up shot. Another box with tags.

Another day in the diner. She shoots the same man. In the restaurant!

What is going on you ask? A mystery that unfolds as the film progresses.

Irene has a machine – which looks like a large metal coffin – which she can use to travel between parallel universes. In each one she jumps to – which are the same with minor differences – she tracks down the man who kidnapped and killed her daughter. She is desperately looking for one where her daughter is still alive. Instead she ends up killing the man who did it. Over and over. It has become an obsession.

Along the way she rescues wayward teen Mia (Stella Marcus) and, reluctantly at first, takes her along with her, with the young feisty girl becoming something of a surrogate for her missing offspring.

REDUX REDUX is an intriguing and enthralling variation on the multiverse movies. Michaela McManus is very good in the central role and well supported by Stella Marcus. Granted this is one of those films that’s best not to analyse too much and instead just go along for the cracking ride. Compellingly directed by directors Kevin and Matthew McManus, working from their script. Star Michaela is their sister. Proceedings are enhanced by the great music score Paul Koch.

Steve Kirkham