Watch Cruel & Unusual

Cruel & Unusual is a 2014 Canadian science-fiction thriller film that explores the themes of immortality, eternal punishment, and redemption. The movie, directed by Merlin Dervisevic, stars David Richmond-Peck, Bernadette Saquibal, and Michelle Harrison in the lead roles. The storyline follows a group of inmates who are condemned to an indefinite sentence in a secret underground facility where they are subjected to gruesome experiments and torture.

The film begins with the introduction of the lead character Edgar (David Richmond-Peck), who is on his way to his execution. We soon discover that Edgar has been sentenced to death for a crime that he did not commit. As he is about to be executed, he is suddenly transported to a mysterious facility where he meets a group of other inmates who have been similarly condemned.

The facility, we learn, is owned and operated by a shadowy organization called the Pantheon Corporation, which has developed a technology that grants immortality to its subjects. The catch is that in order to become immortal, the subjects must endure an excruciatingly painful transformation process that involves the implantation of a tiny device in their brains. Once implanted, the device allows the corporation to monitor and manipulate the subject's every thought and action.

The inmates soon discover that they have been chosen for the program because they are all capable of committing heinous crimes. The Pantheon Corporation has turned them into immortal lab rats, subjecting them to cruel and unusual experiments aimed at unlocking the secrets of eternal life. As they struggle to survive in the facility and uncover the truth behind their imprisonment, Edgar and his fellow inmates begin to question their own morality and search for a way to escape their perpetual punishment.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is the gritty and claustrophobic atmosphere of the underground facility. The sets, designed by David Fischer, are dark, grimy, and oppressive, creating a sense of tension and dread that pervades the entire movie. The performances of the lead actors also stand out, with David Richmond-Peck delivering a powerful performance as the tortured and conflicted Edgar.

The film explores some deep philosophical questions about the nature of punishment, redemption, and the pursuit of immortality. The theme of eternal damnation is a prominent one, with the inmates trapped in a purgatory-like existence where they are constantly reminded of their past sins. The question of whether the immortality granted by the Pantheon Corporation is a blessing or a curse is also explored in depth.

Overall, Cruel & Unusual is a thought-provoking and unsettling film that will leave viewers pondering its themes long after the credits roll. While it is not a perfect movie and has some flaws, it is definitely worth watching for those who appreciate dark, cerebral science fiction.

Cruel & Unusual is a 2014 thriller with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.