GOOD KILL (2015)

Genre: Drama/Thriller
Running Length: 1:45
Cast: Ethan Hawke, January Jones, Bruce Greenwood, Zoe Kravitz, Jack Abel, Dylan Kenin
Director: Andrew Niccol
Screenplay: Andrew Niccol

GOOD KILL, the title of this movie, is also a term/jargon used when an efficient air strike carried out by drones dispenses off potential threats cleanly at minimal risk to the dispensers. In fact, at one point, a character in the films calls out “Splash!” when a target is hit. Think first person shooter games. And that's what makes this movie provocative and troubling because this is not a game. People (sometimes kids and women) actually die. But what's even more interesting is an attempt to study Ethan Hawke's character, a drone pilot (and former F-16 pilot), where his daily job is to blow off the enemies 7,500 miles away on a game console like device while sitting in the comfort of an air-conditioned small container office in Vegas. Afterwards, he would drive home to his pretty wife and adoring kids and throw some meat on the BBQ for dinner. Of course, overtime, the stress of his dehumanizing routine kicks in and just like any effects of war, it takes a toll on him. However, the drama and ethics surrounding his meltdown is unable to keep pace with the cold and chilling air strike scenes; when Hawke's character squeezes the button on his joystick, you'll find yourself holding your breath and counting down to impact. The disturbing and powerful images of people being blown into pieces still lingers in my mind.

Rating: 7/10