Crisis Movie Review

6/10. An incredible truthful tale that sadly doesn’t stick the landing.

Crisis tells three interweaving stories that revolve around the opioid epidemic that is occurring in North America. The first is a multi-cartel smuggling operation, the second a search of a mother for her missing son, and the third a battle between a professor and a pharmaceutical company. All of which are centred by the dire dependency on opioids.

What I loved the most about this film is how each story builds up with incredible tension throughout the first half. As pieces of the story reveal themselves, I found myself constantly wondering how are each connected and what big event is going to connect all three of the stories. Three stories that each on their own, are tense and incredibly well done. Especially that of the cartel operation and of the professor’s moral battle.

Unfortunately, there was no real big event connecting all three – and this is my biggest problem.

By the end of the film, I was left wanting more. Wanting for closure to see how one story finished and if it was going to connect to the others which seemed to end too quickly without a proper resolution. It feels like such a shame because, for the entire film, I was gripped by this compelling story that was leading into dangerously true territory for which I could genuinely see occurring in real life. Especially since at the beginning of the film, you’re led to believe that what you’re about to see is actually a true story.

But sadly, “inspired by true events” almost feels like a backstep for the entire film and in hindsight, I wish that they never should have given that disclaimer at the beginning only to do an entire 180 by the end.

Regardless, I’d still recommend watching Crisis if only for the first half of the film which is spectacular. There’s so much to enjoy within that one hour that it’s still worth the price of admission, even if this film ultimately represents a missed opportunity. However, it should be viewed as an inspiration for something bigger in the future and I seriously cannot wait for someone to capitalize on making a film that does the issues within this one justice.

Until then, I’ll hold my breath while crossing my fingers. See it.