‘You can’t outrun your past’
Ecco is a 2019 action crime thriller about a former hitman who has to protect his new family from his old employers.
Written and directed by Ben Medina, making his feature directorial debut from a story co-written with Lathrop Walker who also stars.
The Citadel Film Group production also stars Tabitha Bastien, Helena Grace Donald, Mahria Zook, S. Joe Downing, Mark Sehlbach and Michael Winters.
Plot:
Michael (Lathrop Walker) is a ghost of his former self. Living in the shadows with his new family, years away from his former life as a nomadic, covert assassin. His peace and anonymity are shattered when his old employers return to bury their last surviving operative.
With his truth exposed, Michael must protect his family and pursue his only chance at redemption: hunt those behind the organization where all his sins were born…
Reviews:
“It is tricky to write about Ecco because there are obviously a lot of twists that should not be spoiled, even though most astute viewers will be way ahead of the film. It also boasts some slickly executed action scenes, but there is too much slack in between. We respect the look and feel of Ecco, but still can’t recommend it…” J.B. Spins
“It’s terrible on every level — the action beats that don’t suggest this guy would survive his first brawl, much less his first firefight, the “cryptic” business about not knowing who he really is, who he really works for and if these people he’s killed really had it coming […] Terrible script and flaccid direction by Ben Medina. Terrible movie.” Movie Nation
“Confusion is fed by the picture’s abrupt shifts from past to present, as flashbacks and flash-forwards rebound off one another to jumble the narrative thread. […] Very, very late in Ecco’s two-plus hour running time, answers come. It’s a long wait for clarity. From the viewer, much patience is required.” The Seattle Times
“It takes a very long time for the protagonist of Ecco — or its viewers, for that matter — to figure out just who (or what) he is. This espionage/fugitive tale in the Bourne mode, albeit with less emphasis on physical action […] But there’s more repetition and ponderousness than compelling intrigue in the end result here.” Variety
Release:
Originally released theatrically in the United States in 2019.
In the US, Goldwyn Films will release Ecco On-Demand (VOD) on May 17, 2022.
Cast and characters:
Lathrop Walker … Michael
Tabitha Bastien … Abby
Helena Grace Donald … Aubrey
Michael Winters … Mulray
Vincent Cardinale … Todd
Bruce Weech … Broderick
Obren Milanovic … Young Mulray
S. Joe Downing … Lee
Alix Angelis … Jane
Mark Sehlbach … Doc
T. Ivan Winkler … Tate
Mahria Zook … Stella
Jon King … Lennix
Michael Place … Rafe
Joe McCarthy … Harlan
Olivier Place … Boy
Filming locations:
Boeing Field – Seattle, Washington
Paine Field – Everett, Washington (aeroplane hangar)
Whidbey Island, Washington (farmhouse)
Ballard, Seattle, Washington (boat scenes)
Technical details:
2 hours 3 minutes
Audio: Dolby Surround 7.1
Aspect ratio: 2.39: 1
Trailer:
