The film, Lights Out, is a gritty action-packed crime drama, which addresses issues of redemption, trauma, and survival through the experience of Michael Duffy (herein referred to as Duffy), a character played gritty could be described as gritty with gritty intensity by Frank Grillo. Duffy was once a haunted ex-soldier but his life takes a wrong turn into world of underground fight with a fortunate encounter with Max Bomer, a cool-blooded ex-con who is played by Mekhi Phifer. The movie manages to represent the inner complexities of Duffy, his inability to calm down and emotional traumas of his military service, and to put him in a vile world of underground battles, crime, and corruption. The story is equal parts brash bodily and emotional, and this struggle to find redemption is personal and touching in Duffy.
The action scenes in the film are visceral and intense, demonstrating how Duffy is a fighter with incredible powers and how vicious and unforgivable underground fight clubs can be. The filming style is gritty, somewhat noir which highlights the dark side of the criminal underworld in Los Angeles. The use of the supporting characters especially Max and Rachel provides an emotional variation in the story and stakes are not merely on survival. The story is complicated by the appearance of evil policemen and crime lords who make the world of lies and crime, which Duffy has to go through. The film script is lean, and there are scenes where the audience is left on the edge of their seats especially when the ethical compass of Duffy is challenged.
The image that was most angry me was the internal fight of Duffy-a man with the trauma of the past that wants to find a way of redemption through the violence and fighting spirit. The movie aroused some emotions like empathy, anger, and hope because Duffy struggles against not only the rivals in the ring but also his inner demons. Although certain aspects of crime thrillers can be predicted, the movie Lights Out is a strong message about the price of violence and how inner strength can help to redeem it. It is dirty, gut-wrenching and made me think about the thin line between justice and revenge.
