Cruise (2022)

2022 SCREAMFEST REVIEW!

Have you ever been on the receiving end of one of those horrible telemarketing calls? Of course. Have you ever thought of the struggles of those telemarketers as they try to push things like a free Cruise or car warranties on you? Probably not. Cruise sees a series of telemarketers trying to give away a free vacation, but they are only given three attempts. If they succeed, they are free to go, if they fail, their lives are instantly in danger. Everyone should survive, because everyone wants a free cruise, right?

Cruise is a dark, satirical film that looks at the other end of those pesky telemarketer calls. Again, we never sit down to think about the individuals on the other end of the phone trying to make a living to support themselves and their families, but Cruise puts a dark spin on this aspect of the call. There are moments of the film in which the scenarios depicted are almost funny, and that creates a wonderful balance. The film is harrowing, intense, suspenseful, and it runs the risk of becoming overwhelming if Writer-Director Sam Rudykoff fails to introduce other sentiments–but that’s not the case here. Rudykoff creates a brilliant juxtaposition of horror and comedy. Never did I want to laugh out loud, but what is present throughout the course of Cruise balances the tone of the film with brilliance, and viewers are able to appreciate every instance of the film as a result.

The narrative is concise, and it’s incredibly simple to follow. That allows viewers to become invested early, and they remain focused throughout as a result. As viewers dive headfirst into Cruise, there is never a time when viewers become disenchanted or disconnected from the film. Everything about this six-minute short flows smoothly, and viewers enjoy the ride from beginning to end.

The cast is small, and there aren’t too many moving parts in terms of the actors. They convey emotion well, and they, too, do a wonderful job of inviting viewers into the film and giving them a rooting preference throughout. However, the actor who shines the brightest is the one with the least amount of screentime, Chad Andrews (Jake). He embodies the emotion present in the film better than anyone else, and he exudes confidence throughout his short stint on screen. He’s the first person that viewers see, and ultimately he’s tasked with setting the tone for the entire film–he does this beautifully. His facial expressions and body language allow viewers to fully understand what is to come, and they are instantly transported to this world of intensity and potential pain. Andrews is brilliant, he’s full of passion and vigor, and he’s everything that Cruise needs at the start to ultimately find success.

Viewers are forced to feel a sense of claustrophobia throughout the course of Cruise. The entire film takes place within a small office, and much like the characters on screen, viewers, too, feel trapped–incapable of going anywhere without the permission of the film crew. Director of Photography Peter Schnobb finds ways to keep things focused throughout, and that comes primarily from a series of closeups of the subject(s) at any given moment, causing viewers to feel as if the walls are slowly closing in around them. What Schnobb also manages to do is control the camera in a fashion that, on occasion, pans from the primary subject of the film–showing the rest of the room in which the entirety of Cruise occurs. This reminds viewers that, while they are focused on something seemingly small throughout the course of the film (i.e. whether or not these telemarketers will be able to give away a free cruise), there is a bigger picture, something far more important lurking in the shadows of both our lives and the film. We see exactly what the filmmakers want us to see, nothing more, nothing less.

Cruise is smooth sailing from the opening moments. From phenomenal acting, to a clear, succinct narrative, to a satirical metaphor for life, to beautiful cinematography, everything about Cruise works toward success. With everything going on in the film, however, Andrews is my favorite part. He sets the film up for success from the opening moments, and he ultimately becomes the reason that the film flows so smoothly.

Written & Directed by Sam Rudykoff.

Starring Simon Pond, Ray James, & Chad Andrews.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐½/10