The Cutlass - Rating: * * * (Reviewed by Chloe Davies)

‘The Cutlass’ is a drama/thriller based on a true story about Joanna (Lisa-Bel Hirschmann), a tourist in Trinidad who is kidnapped for ransom. Although it is marketed as a thriller, it doesn’t feel particularly tense enough to be considered one. The film is very well made overall with beautiful locations, professional cinematography and music, as well as good acting, but I still mostly feel indifferent towards it as a whole and can’t quite figure out why.

While the acting is good – especially from Hirschmann considering this is her first feature role – I didn’t care much about the characters and felt distant from them. Everything is reserved. There is one scene where the writing did make somewhat of an impact (despite the writing letting the film down at times with inconsistent narration), in which the kidnapper, Al (Arnold Goindhan) is talking to Joanna about what it means to really be poor. It highlights some important issues and feels authentic.

Overall, while this is without a doubt a competent film and is very well made in regard to the visuals, I found it difficult to connect with. However, this seems like something that could be widely enjoyed by lovers of drama, and to those who like low-key, reserved dramas in particular.