Michael Roark in ‘Catalyst.’ Photo Courtesy of Amazon Prime Video.
Michael Roark and David Bianchi star in the new mystery thriller “Catalyst,” which was directed by Chris Folkens.
Aside from Roark and Bianchi, it also stars Melanie Liburd, Noel Gugliemi, Patrick Kilpatrick, Jermaine Love, Umar Khan, and Chris Michael Wood.
Folkens wrote the screenplay from a story by David Bianchi, Folkens, and Enrico Natale.
This grounded sci-fi thriller revolves around seven strangers who wake up surrounded by an electrical force field, with collars around their necks.
These seven men were abducted and held by mysterious masked captors. They are tasked by the guards to “find the parasite” in 60 minutes (an hour’s time).
With no escape in sight and their captors standing guard, they must unfold their darkest truths to gain their freedom and save their lives before the time runs out.
In many ways, it is a modern-day re-imagining and re-telling of “12 Angry Men” coupled with today’s social, political, economic and cultural tensions. Its subject matter is timely and relevant, especially in this digital age that we are living in today.
Michael Roark delivers a dynamic and brave acting performance that is packed with action, drama, and suspense. With Roark, it feels like watching “Arrow” all over again, and he is our Stephen Amell (and that is meant as a compliment).
In particular, Roark’s scenes in the church opposite Steve Eastin as Father Albright are layered and well-executed. are layered and well-executed.
Everybody in the cast is given their own characterization, and they all bring something distinct to the table. David Bianchi pulls off a spitfire performance as Castor Ramirez.
Melanie Liburd is a powerhouse as “The Architect,” and Joni Bovill is noteworthy as Mrs. Oyetunde.
This movie has been recognized with accolades for “Best Feature Film,” “Best Cinematography,” and “Best Ensemble” at the Downtown Film Festival LA, as well as “Best First Feature Director” and “Best Thriller” at the Los Angeles Film Awards, and a Telly Award for Craft Visual Effects.
Hopefully, all of these wins and recognition are a harbinger for more and better things to come.
Fans and viewers that enjoyed David Bianchi’s sci-fi TV series “RZR” will certainly find “Catalyst” to be a real treat.
The Verdict
Overall, “Catalyst” is high-adrenaline, intense, but a great deal of fun. It will sustain the viewer’s attention for its entire duration. At the same time, it is feel-good escapism and it teleports us to a sci-fi, dystopian world.
One would never think that was the feature film debut of Chris Folkens (that would think he is a seasoned pro in this genre).
“Catalyst” is worth more than just a passing glance, and it garners 4.5 out of 5 stars. Well done.