- Director: Jeremy Drummond
- Starring: Chloe McClay, Leo Fafard, Amy Groening, Darren Eisnor, Stephen McHattie
We
Kill Them All is a 2017 independent action-thriller that blends family drama,
brutal revenge, and gritty violence into a tense, character-driven story.
Directed by Jeremy Drummond, the film stands out for its raw tone and
stripped-down storytelling, focusing on emotional trauma and survival rather
than polished Hollywood spectacle. Set in a remote and unforgiving environment,
the movie explores how unresolved family wounds can spiral into deadly
consequences.
Story Summary
The
story follows Madison (played by Chloe McClay), a young woman who travels to a
secluded lakeside house with her boyfriend Cody (Leo Fafard) to reconnect with
her estranged father, Chuck (Stephen McHattie). Madison hopes the visit will
help repair their broken relationship, which has been shaped by years of
absence, resentment, and emotional distance.
What
begins as an uneasy family reunion quickly takes a dark turn. Chuck is not
simply a reclusive man living in isolation—he is deeply entangled in a violent
past that refuses to stay buried. When a group of ruthless criminals arrives at
the cabin, Madison is forced to confront a terrifying truth about her father’s
history and the kind of enemies he has made.
As
tensions escalate, the situation explodes into brutal violence. Madison and
Cody are trapped in the middle of a deadly conflict, caught between survival
and shocking revelations. Chuck, hardened by years of violence, reveals his
true nature as he unleashes merciless retaliation against the intruders. The
once-quiet cabin becomes a battleground where mercy is absent and every choice
carries fatal consequences.
The
narrative steadily strips away illusions of safety and morality. Madison must
grapple not only with the immediate threat to her life but also with the
horrifying realization that her father’s capacity for violence may be
inherited—or at least unavoidable. The film culminates in a grim confrontation
that leaves no character untouched by loss or guilt.
Film Review
We
Kill Them All is unapologetically brutal and bleak. Rather than relying on
flashy action sequences, the film emphasizes close-quarters violence and
emotional discomfort. Stephen McHattie delivers a chilling performance as
Chuck, portraying a man who has normalized violence as a survival mechanism.
His presence adds significant weight and menace to the film.
Chloe
McClay brings vulnerability and tension to her role, grounding the story
emotionally. Her performance makes Madison’s fear, confusion, and moral
struggle believable. While the pacing may feel slow to some viewers, it serves
the film’s purpose by building dread and reinforcing the inevitability of
violence.
The
cinematography favors dark, muted tones that reflect the story’s hopeless
atmosphere. This visual approach reinforces the film’s themes of isolation and
moral decay. Though not designed for mainstream audiences, the film succeeds as
a raw and unsettling thriller.
Commentary
At
its core, We Kill Them All is not just about violence—it is about legacy and
consequence. The film raises difficult questions about whether people can
escape their past or if violence inevitably defines them. Chuck represents a
man who has accepted brutality as his identity, while Madison embodies the
struggle to reject that path.
The
film’s refusal to offer a redemptive arc makes it emotionally challenging.
There are no clear heroes, only survivors shaped by trauma. This moral
ambiguity may be uncomfortable, but it is also what gives the film its power.
Behind the Scenes
Director
Jeremy Drummond approached We Kill Them All with a minimalist philosophy,
focusing on character intensity rather than large-scale action. The production
relied on practical effects and intimate settings to maintain realism and
tension.
The
remote filming location played a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere. By
isolating the characters physically, the film heightens emotional
claustrophobia and reinforces the theme of entrapment. The small cast allowed
for concentrated performances, particularly from Stephen McHattie, whose
experience in dark, dramatic roles helped elevate the material.
As
an independent production, the film embraces creative risks that larger studios
often avoid, resulting in a story that is uncompromising and emotionally raw.
Overall Impression
We
Kill Them All is a dark, intense thriller best suited for viewers who
appreciate gritty storytelling and morally complex characters. It is not an
easy watch, but it is a memorable one. Through strong performances, a bleak
atmosphere, and uncompromising violence, the film delivers a powerful
exploration of how the past can destroy the present.
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