Watch Drive-by Sunset

Drive-by Sunset is a 2011 independent film directed by Jared Masters. It is a suspenseful thriller that explores the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles' criminal underworld. The movie stars Danny De Lillo as Tony, a streetwise criminal who is looking to make a big score. Emma Lock plays Lisa, his accomplice in crime, while Jamie Biddle portrays Detective Max, a hard-nosed cop hot on their trail.

The story centers around Tony and Lisa, two small-time criminals who decide to rob a wealthy couple living in a luxurious hilltop mansion. But what starts off as a simple heist quickly spirals out of control when they find themselves in possession of valuable information that could potentially ruin the lives of several powerful people in the city.

As they flee the scene of the crime, the duo realizes that they have become unwitting players in a dangerous game of cat and mouse. They must navigate through a web of corrupt cops, violent gangsters, and ruthless hitmen, who are all trying to hunt them down and recover the stolen information.

The tension in the film is palpable from the very beginning, as Tony and Lisa try to execute their plan without getting caught. The first half of the movie is spent almost entirely on building the characters and setting up the plot. The pacing is deliberate, but it never feels slow or boring. Instead, it sets the stage for the intense action and twists that come later on.

One of the strengths of Drive-by Sunset is its excellent use of locations. The film takes place entirely in Los Angeles, and the city is used to great effect to create a gritty, noir-ish atmosphere. From dimly lit alleys to sprawling mansions, each setting feels authentic and contributes to the overall sense of danger and desperation.

The cast of the movie is also noteworthy. Danny De Lillo and Emma Lock both give standout performances and have great chemistry as the two leads. They convincingly portray the mix of bravado and vulnerability that their characters require. Jamie Biddle, as the cop on their trail, is also impressive, bringing a steely determination to his role.

One of the themes that the movie explores is the corrupt and flawed nature of the justice system. Tony and Lisa have their reasons for committing their crime, and as the story progresses, it becomes clear that the lines between good and evil are not as clear-cut as they may seem. While the criminals are not glorified, the film does question the motivations of those tasked with bringing them to justice.

In terms of cinematography, Drive-by Sunset is well-shot, using a mix of handheld cameras, wide shots, and close-ups to create a cinematic experience. The editing is sharp, and the soundtrack is suitably tense, replete with brooding electronic music and moody jazz.

One of the minor issues with the movie is that some of the plot elements feel a little contrived. There are a few moments when the audience may find themselves questioning the decisions made by certain characters. However, these are relatively minor complaints in a film that succeeds admirably in evoking the feel of classic film noir.

Overall, Drive-by Sunset is a tense and entertaining thriller that showcases the darker side of Los Angeles. While it may not break any new ground in terms of plot, it is a well-executed and enjoyable movie that delivers on its promises of suspense and intrigue. It is recommended for fans of the crime thriller genre or those looking for a tight and well-crafted indie film.