Tommy Vilés in Wretched Things (2018) // © Oxygen Films
Wretched Things is a provocative drama film told in three interconnected acts, each following a unique character. Written and directed by Gage Oxley of Oxygen Films, Wretched Things continues the trend of displaying the darker side of sexuality, through thought-provoking imagery, intense character focus, and an unwavering vision. The three tales in Wretched Things are far from cheery, as they dig into various aspects of the depravity and nuance of human sexuality (more specifically, homosexuality). At times, Wretched Things is an uncomfortable but essential watch, gripping the viewer with a good dose of emotion and suspense. Although it’s not as tight or polished as Oxygen Film’s other works, Wretched Things is still a highly ambitious film that pushes a number of boundaries.
The first story revolves around Ben (Warren Godman), an attractive, up-and-coming male model. When Ben gets a career-making photo shoot with one of the biggest magazines around, his ethics are put to the test. Led by photographer Peter (Thomas Loone), the photo session begins innocently enough. This brief opening segment sets the tone well for Wretched Things. It’s suspenseful, surprisingly dark, and will make you appropriately uneasy. It’s a sequence that feels both highly personal and voyeuristic, as Ben’s morals are bent further and further.
Photo by Louisa Rose Mackleston // © Oxygen Films
The first act seamlessly connects with the second act, this time focusing on a quiet and secretive man named Olly (Tommy Viles). After teetering back and forth with the idea, Olly signs up as a new personality on a sex-cam website. The allure of fortune and popularity is palpable, as his weekly performances garner more and more viewers. Eventually, Olly’s sexual escapades online take an unexpected turn. Like the preceding sequence, the second act makes great use of minimal dialogue, resulting in a tone that feels invasive. Out of the three stories, this second tale feels the most “real”, mostly due to the excellent acting from Tommy Viles. Viles is able to connect with the character on a deep internal level, channeling all the emotion and nonverbal communication needed to progress the scene and build tension.
The final and most lengthy sequence is a semi-psychedelic trip through the mind of a homophobic man with a lust for power. In a bitter twist of irony, Louis (Adam Ayadi) is a homosexual male who resents his sexuality, channeling his self-hate to violent ends. Charged by dangerous drug use and an obviously psychotic mind, Louis brings a unique form of terror to Wretched Things. Where other sequences in the film shy away from depictions of sexual violence, this third story uses it as the basis of the plot. As we watch Louis’ various sexual outings (in his mind, they play more like domination), the audience can easily see humanity slowly leaking from Louis’ concerns. At times, the third act can seem titillating; a sort of seductive tone that occasionally betrays the darker aspect of the story. With smart use of music and lighting, the final act of Wretched Things creates a tense atmosphere, and while the plot itself is somewhat predictable, the final moments are guaranteed to provide ample suspense.
Overall, Wretched Things is another win for Oxygen Films and the honest depiction of human sexuality on film. Like in his other works, Gage Oxley presents the viewer brutally honest character portrayals, interesting an evocative use of color and music, and uncomfortable if not effective content. Where Wretched Things succeeds the most is in its three-part narrative structure, which highlights each story thread. The storytelling is usually straightforward and nonverbal, which creates a notably intimate viewing experience. The powerful script is held up by absolutely phenomenal performances, ranging from the subdued shame of Tommy Vile’s Olly to the demented and soul-piercing gaze of Adam Ayadi’s Louis. The secondary and ancillary cast range from functional to fabulous, with only one or two performances feeling “low-budget”. For the most part, Wretched Things is packed with award-worthy acting. Once again, actor Jack Parr excels in suffering on film, portraying the submissive character Joey. It’s additional characters like Joey that really bolster Wretched Things‘ script and stories, cementing it as a truly effective piece.
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The only place where Wretched Things tends to stumble is in its continuity, occasionally repetitive imagery, and shots that hold a bit too long. Once again, Gage Oxley and the cast and crew behind Wretched Things have produced a notable piece of film. Whether you’re gay, straight, bisexual, or anywhere in between, Wretched Things will provide a brutal look at sexuality. If you have the stomach for some of its more intense themes, Wretched Things is a thought-provoking viewing that challenges your views on sexuality, and the horrible, wretched, playful things that can happen therein.
Movie Rating: 4 stars.
Movie Rating Guide
1 Star = Unwatchable
2 Stars = Cannot Recommend
3 Stars = Great for the Fans
4 Stars = A Solid Movie
5 Stars = Must Own (DVD/Stream Download)
Featured Image Credit: Tommy Vilés in Wretched Things (2018) // © Oxygen Films.
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