Released to VOD on October 15, 2024 through Gravitas Ventures, Martinez, Margaritas and Murder! is the newest macabre murder mystery written and directed by James Helsing.
Helsing, an alumnus of the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art in England, has been involved in film for many years, however, Martinez, Margaritas and Murder! marks his directorial debut. With this in mind, the triple M’s pulsate in the eye-popping brilliance of neon red throughout this whodunit movie. A mix of Dark Comedy and Horror, it features a pulse-racing time of 90 minutes with a lot of intrigue along the way.
Letting the cast take the lead, the close-up zooms of the faces leave no mistake as to the intensity of emotions experienced by the character. You see the unmistakable attraction between the characters by the lock on of eyes and the lingering touches which belie the fact that one has a murderous tendency. The scenes that complement the monologue of Freddy Martinez give graphical insight as endeavors to find the elusive key to unlocking the identity of the ‘Bedroom Butcher.’ Furthermore, your eyes are kept sharp by the shifting of scenery and camera angles as the movie progresses.
With this in mind, the character Freddy Martinez is portrayed by René Mena (Bright 2017, Reminiscence 2021). Doing a fine job, he maintains a childlike innocence throughout the blood-tinged chaos that drips all around him in this comedic mystery. This is in stark contrast to Boris Strange; played by Time Winters (Sneakers 1992, Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain 2015) who emanates a menacing vibration and introduces himself to Freddy under heart-tripping circumstances. Although conflicted about wearing a wire during his margarita swigging time with his circle of friends, Freddy Martinez is determined to end the lethal shenanigans of one ‘Bedroom Butcher.’ The question on everyone’s lips though is, “Who is it?” and “Will Freddy live long enough to find out the identity?”
The interplay between the characters and the sprinkling of outrageous bouts of comedic relief is very entertaining throughout the film. Beyond this, the musical score by Sid De La Cruz is perfectly paired with the suspenseful scenes and enhances the mystery on screen. So, if you dig margarita-infused murder mysteries then Martinez, Margaritas and Murder! is for you. With a notepad in hand, you follow Freddie as he dices through alcohol-infused conversations to find the key elements of a confession before another victim is found. Truly a fun time with splashes of terror, Cryptic Rock gives Martinez, Margaritas and Murder! 4.5 out of 5 stars.
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