The Painter is a 2024 American action thriller film in which an ex-CIA operative is thrown back into a dangerous world when a mysterious woman from his past resurfaces. Now exposed and targeted by a relentless killer and a rogue black ops program, he must rely on skills he thought he left behind in a high-stakes game of survival.
Directed by Kimani Ray Smith from a screenplay written by Brian Buccellato. Produced by Steven Paul. Executive produced by Charles Cooper and Scott Karol.
The SP Media Group production stars Charlie Weber, Madison Bailey, Jon Voight and Marie Avgeropoulos.
Reviews:
“There’s little in the way of invention in The Painter, which remains a VOD-type viewing experience with limited funds to pay for locations and sets, but Smith gets something going with Buccellato’s weirdness, creating an hour of decent B-movie adventure. The final act breaks the picture’s spirit, but there’s a bit more momentum to the effort than what the competition usually offers.” ★★½ Blu-ray.com
“Despite a talented cast, the film fails to break free from the shackles of clichés and uninspired storytelling. Lacking originality, depth of character, and a compelling antagonist, it becomes a paint-by-numbers affair that leaves audiences wanting more substance and originality. With a muddled plot and unconvincing performances, it struggles to leave a lasting impression in a genre filled with more captivating and inventive offerings.” D+ Caillou Pettis Movie Reviews
“The action is reasonably well-handled, Peter demonstrating a terse approach to close-quarters combat […] the results are best described as “Diet Wick”. By which I mean, if it’s possible to deliver headshots in a low-key way, this does it. Max Montesi also makes some impression as an oddball killer with a fondness for techno.” C+ Film Blitz
“Somehow, The Painter manages to be boring and deeply troubling at the same time. It disrespects the sacrifice of all the CIA Officers (they are not called agents) who gave their lives for their country, without giving us any thrills or memorable spectacle in return. Not recommended.” J.B. Spins
“The Painter never seems like more than a rote shoot-’em-up inadequately juiced by the kind of shocking revelations that are all contrived verbal explication” Variety
” …they can’t do much new with the material. But given the trend for thrillers to end up as dull talk fests that are devoid of action, it’s easy to forgive The Painter its narrative lapses and enjoy the mayhem missing from the likes of Ruthless and Kane. Taken for what it is, The Painter is a good way to kill ninety minutes, just try not to think of what it could have been.” ★★★½ Voices from the Balcony
YouTube reviews:
Charlie Weber interview:
Release:
In the US, The Painter was released theatrically in select locations by Republic Pictures on January 5, 2024. The movie was released on digital platforms on January 9.
Cast and characters:
Charlie Weber … Peter
Madison Bailey … Sophia
Jon Voight … Byrne
Marie Avgeropoulos … Piasecki
Marissa Bruchmann … Nurse
Luisa d’Oliveira … Agent Kim
Leah Gibson … Lucy
Jason Gray-Stanford … Niles
Benjamin Jacobson … Blindfolded Boy
Rryla McIntosh … Elena
Max Montesi … Ghost
Bobby Stewart … Surgeon
Simon Tattersall … Young Byrne
Technical specs:
1 hour 40 minutes
