Watch Cost of a Soul

Cost of a Soul is a gritty and powerful drama set in the aftermath of the Iraq War. The film revolves around the lives of two childhood friends, Wex (Chris Kerson) and Mickey (Will Blagrove), who are dealing with the physical and emotional scars of their time in combat. The film is directed and written by Sean Kirkpatrick, and he has created an intense and realistic portrayal of American soldiers coming home from war.

The movie opens with Wex returning home after his tour of duty ends. He discovers that his girlfriend, DeShawn (Judy Jerome), has left him and that he has lost his job. With nowhere else to turn, Wex hooks up with his old friend Mickey, who is also struggling to make ends meet. The two men are determined to start their lives over again and leave the horrors of the war behind them. But they soon find out that it is easier said than done.

Wex and Mickey's lives take a tragic turn when they witness a gang-related shooting. They are hesitant to speak out to the police because they fear for their lives. But when they are offered a chance to make some quick cash by an underworld figure, they decide to risk it all. Their decision leads them down a dangerous path that tests their loyalty and friendship.

One of the film's strengths is the authentic depiction of working-class life in Philadelphia. The movie was shot on location, and Kirkpatrick does an excellent job of capturing the city's gritty and bleak vibe. The characters' struggles feel real and grounded, and the film tackles issues like poverty, addiction, and the inner-city drug trade with a sense of honesty and urgency.

The performances in Cost of a Soul are all excellent, especially Chris Kerson as Wex. Kerson delivers a nuanced and emotional performance, showcasing the character's pent-up frustration and anger. Will Blagrove is also impressive as Mickey, bringing a quiet intensity to the role. Together Kerson and Blagrove have a strong chemistry that helps to sell the film's themes of brotherhood and loyalty.

The movie's pacing is deliberate, giving viewers time to get to know the characters and their struggles before the action kicks in. When the film does ramp up the tension, it is genuinely heart-pounding. The scenes of violence and danger are all the more effective because Kirkpatrick has taken the time to establish the stakes and make us care about the characters.

The movie's only real weakness is its ending. Without giving anything away, it feels somewhat abrupt and unsatisfying. The film builds up to a climactic moment, but the resolution feels a bit rushed and underdeveloped. It's not a deal-breaker, but it does weaken the overall impact of the story.

Overall, Cost of a Soul is a powerful and thought-provoking film that deserves more attention. It is a raw and honest portrayal of life after war, and the struggles of everyday Americans in inner-city neighborhoods. The film is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the bonds of brotherhood. It is a movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

Cost of a Soul is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 48 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.2 and a MetaScore of 30.