“The Way Out” is not your conventional horror thriller, it is dark, complex, yet captivating.
This film is written and directed by Barry Jay, and it stars Jonny Beauchamp, Emmy award-winning actor and producer Mike Manning, Ashleigh Murray, and Sherri Shepherd, among others. It will be released globally on digital on February 10, 2023, via Terror Films.
The two male leads (Beauchamp and Manning) deliver extraordinary and gripping performances that delve beyond a surface. Jonny Beauchamp is a lost and damaged soul as Alex, a musician suffering from substance abuse, who mostly thinks only about himself.
Alex is a character that the audience wants to root for, in an effort to find his voice again. Beauchamp layers his emotions well, and he captures the conscience of a functioning addict. It is only a matter of time before more people discover his name, he is one of the contemporary entertainment business’ best-kept secrets.
The death of Alex’s father was the catalyst in this film, which lead to him inheriting the family house, and he takes on Shane, a boxer and fighter as his roommate in order to help him fight back against his naysayers and abusers
Sherri Shepherd (who portrays Veronica) and Ashleigh Murray’s characters serve as a voice of reason that try to guide Alex in maintaining his sobriety; moreover, Ashleigh Murray as Gracie is the heart and soul of this movie, who ultimately helps save Alex from self-destruction. Gracie’s affecting rapport with Alex is quite remarkable.
Every actor in this ensemble cast bring something unique to the table. Witnessing the character development unfold throughout this film is noteworthy.
Mike Manning commands the screen with brooding intensity as the nefarious Shane. It is unlike anything he has ever done in the past. Manning undergoes a complete physical transformation to embody the persona of Shane. He is not afraid to be raw, vulnerable, and even terrifying as he builds the vengeful character from within.
It is rich in symbolism and motifs; the mirror scene between Alex and Shane showcases one’s perception vs. reality, the shower scene inspires the cleansing of one’s sins and actions, the blood stains on the floor display guilt and sin, and the Crucifix cross presented over Shane’s shoulder illustrates his chance for a catharsis and redemption.
The elephant in the room is trauma sustained from emotional abuse, and the film conveys this subject matter in an authentic and unflinching manner.
The audience will not be able to take their eyes off the screen during the heated scenes between Beauchamp and Manning, which is a testament to their acting chops, and the solid script courtesy of showrunner Barry Jay.
The Verdict
Overall, “The Way Out” is a winning psychological thriller by Barry Jay. This high-octane movie is highly recommended for all, especially anybody who has lost their way or has been battered, since it highlights that the fact that sobriety has healing vibes.
Mike Manning pulls off one of the most riveting performances of his career, thus creating a creature and pushing the boundaries.
Particularly impressive about “The Way Out” is that it shows both sides of the coin: that of the abused and the abuser. For the abused, this film offers the hope to find help, strength, healing, and restore their self-esteem. It underscores such values as forgiveness, repentance, sacrifice, and recovery. The film garners four out of five stars.
Read More: Mike Manning talks about his new film ‘The Way Out’
