This based-on-true-events little indie gem is newb filmmaker Sean McEwen's 3rd writing and 2nd directorial full length feature film credit, with only some TV series and a few short films as prior experience, but you'd think this film was put together by a seasoned filmmaker with a big Hollywood budget.
I really can't find anything to critique or say could've been done better, especially when I was expecting a ton of rookie filmmaking mistakes and typical B-grade filmmaking annoyances. Maybe the pacing could've been a little better and about 5-10 mins cut out, but everything else was so well done, I shouldn't complain. The cinematography was spot on, if not perfect, and McEwen sure knows how to shoot an action thriller with his effective use of close-ups, ariel shots and camera angles. The score and soundtrack were outstanding - that alone is a huge feat, as the score in B films is always loud, annoying, overbearing and unfitting.
McEwen's screenplay was exceptional, with a very coherent and cohesive narrative. His use of actual past TV news clips from the real events inserted at the right times elevated his story telling. The entire 99 min runtime was used effectively, and maintained a constant engaging tone and level of suspense. McEwen even nailed directing his cast effectively, as all casting and performances were excellent and convincing, particularly the three siblings that nail down the specific dynamic of this family, especially India Eisley who shined as the troubled Lee-Grace Dougherty sister.
Huge props to the entire cast and crew for creating such a great film. I can honestly say this is in my top 10 must-see low budget independent B-grade films of all time, and I've seen a lot of films - click on my username to see my over 3,300 ratings and over 1,700 reviews. McEwen certainly is an up and coming filmmaker to keep an eye out for, and his little gem American Outlaws is a well deserved 8/10 from me.
