It would be easy to put 7 Cases in the same league as something that Vertigo Films might produce for about a fiver, but when viewing the film, there is a larger sense of expertise surrounding it. Indeed, it is clear to see the budget on which this was made (the use of GoPros in the robbery scene near the beginning, whilst inspired, is still obviously a GoPro) but that doesn't detract from the interesting and surprisingly stylish execution from director Sean Vincent.
Steven Berkoff's rather unhinged role is small, so any who came for him (although I can't see why that would specifically be the case) may be disappointed at his lack of screen time, but what time he does have he uses well, if a little obviously. What is really surprising is the performance of the two leads, brilliantly bouncing off each other, particularly in the car sequences.
Plotwise, it's not necessarily the most original concept but it is, as is the case with this kind of cat-and-mouse plot, rather an exciting one. It's thrilling to follow the two main characters around in the BMW whilst they discuss the possibilities of failure in the mission, even if it is rather familiar.
Of course, the thing which elevates the film here is the score by Jonathan Atkinson. There are echoes of Inception's soaring closing moments, Daft Punk's pulsating score for Tron Legacy and, of course, The Dark Knight. However, it never feels unoriginal or forced, but rather an element of the film which lifts even the slowest moments. It's debatable that the film should not need this sort of support from its music but that's hardly noticeable.
Just get past the obvious template behind it (get a big name actor to do a bit part in a small film and then have the entire marketing campaign around them for a small budget thriller) and 7 Cases is an enjoyable and surprisingly thoughtful thriller.
