Watch The Removals

The Removals is a low-budget indie film from 2016 that takes a unique spin on the psychological thriller genre. Directed by Nicholas Rucka, the film stars Milly Sanders, Andrew Sensenig, and Scott McClanahan in the lead roles. The story follows a couple, Anna (Sanders) and Paul (Sensenig), who work for a secret government agency tasked with removing people from undesirable situations. These "removals" are carried out with extreme efficiency and secrecy, and the couple takes pride in their work. However, as the film progresses, it becomes apparent that there is something sinister at play behind the scenes.

The Removals is a slow-burning film that relies heavily on atmosphere and tension. The first half of the film is spent establishing the characters and the world they inhabit, and it can be a little slow-going for those looking for immediate thrills. However, the film rewards those who stick with it, as the second half takes some surprising and unsettling turns.

The film's strength lies in its performances, particularly Milly Sanders as Anna. Sanders is an engaging presence, and her character's growing unease is palpable. Andrew Sensenig is also solid as Paul, delivering a suitably creepy and ambiguous performance. Scott McClanahan provides a grounding presence as their handler, grounding the more abstract elements of the film.

One of the most interesting aspects of The Removals is its use of sound design. The film's score is minimal, and instead, the filmmakers opt for an ambient soundscape of buzzing noises and atmospheric hums. This creates a sense of unease and disorientation that complements the film's abstract storytelling.

The Removals is a film that will likely appeal to fans of slow-burning, thought-provoking psychological thrillers. It's not a film that will necessarily leave you on the edge of your seat, but it is one that will stay with you long after the credits roll. The film's themes of control, agency, and morality are compelling, and it's refreshing to see a film that doesn't shy away from subtlety and ambiguity.

While there are some pacing issues in the first half of the film, The Removals ultimately delivers a unique and unsettling viewing experience. It's a film that asks more questions than it answers, and it's up to the viewer to interpret the events that unfold. The film's open-endedness may frustrate some viewers, but for those willing to engage with the film's ideas, The Removals is a rewarding watch.

The Removals is a 2016 suspense movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 4 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.0.