Watch 88

88 is a 2015 psychological thriller directed by April Mullen and written by Tim Doiron. The movie features Katharine Isabelle, Christopher Lloyd, Tim Doiron, Michael Ironside, Kyle Schmid, and Jesse McCartney in lead roles. The film begins with the protagonist, Gwendolyn "Gwen" (Katharine Isabelle), waking up in a diner restroom, with her underwear missing, and no memory of how she got there. She discovers a mysterious revolver in her purse containing only one bullet and decides to investigate her past.

The movie goes back and forth in time, revealing Gwen's past and the events that have led to her current state. She is shown to be a young woman in love with a man named Flamingo (Kyle Schmid), who is involved in drug trafficking. Their relationship is showcased, and it is revealed that Flamingo has betrayed Gwen, leading to catastrophic events that have affected her psyche.

As Gwen progresses through her investigation, she encounters numerous people who seem to be interconnected to her past, including Cyrus (Christopher Lloyd), a peculiar old man who appears to be stalking her. He claims to know everything about Gwen and offers to help her find Flamingo.

The movie is shot in a non-linear style and uses split-screen techniques to display the various timelines. The scenes involving Gwen are monochrome, while the ones featuring her boyfriend and their past are in vibrant colors. This juxtaposition of color and black and white imagery adds another layer of meaning to the film.

As she delves deeper into her past, Gwen discovers that her memories are not trustworthy, and she is unsure whom to trust. She is on the run from both the cops and the drug traffickers, who are after her for stealing their money. With no one to turn to, Gwen has to rely on her instincts to survive and find out the truth.

88 is not just a mind-bending thriller but is also a commentary on the effects of gaslighting and trauma on a person's psyche. The film does an excellent job of highlighting how traumatic events can haunt a person and how easy it is to be manipulated when one's memories are unreliable.

The performances in the movie are top-notch, with Katharine Isabelle delivering a powerhouse performance as the lead. She carries the majority of the film on her shoulders, and her acting is nuanced and believable. Christopher Lloyd's portrayal of the eccentric Cyrus is also noteworthy and adds a sense of humor to the otherwise tense movie.

The movie's soundtrack is another highlight, with a mix of original songs and haunting instrumentals adding to the film's eerie atmosphere. The soundtrack is well curated to complement the visuals, and the songs often provide a glimpse into Gwen's psyche.

The movie's pace is fast, and the editing does not allow for any dull moments, keeping the audience engaged throughout. The conclusion is satisfying and provides closure to the film's mysteries without feeling rushed.

In conclusion, 88 is an underrated gem in the psychological thriller genre. With strong performances, masterful direction, and clever writing, the film is sure to leave audiences on the edge of their seats. It is a great example of how an independent movie can pack a punch and leave a lasting impression on its viewers.

88 is a 2015 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 4.9.