“Purgatory Jack” is an ambitious neo-noir mystery that makes the most of its mix of weighty themes, distinctive characters, and richly imaginative world. Set in a visually stunning version of Purgatory where the lines between the living and the dead blur, co-writers and co-directors Brett and Jason Butler craft a funky and stylish cyberpunk vibe that sets the moody tone for the story.
In an afterlife ruled by gangs who consider human blood their drug of choice (as well as a thriving black market for spare body parts), private detective Jack (Tim Rozon) is hard at work on the case of new arrival Viv Vacious (Alexandra Beaton), a punk rocker who overdosed. Viv is trying to adjust to this world of outlaws and outcasts, racing against time to find her mother who committed suicide nearly two decades ago. In the process, a murderous conspiracy is unearthed that rocks this place of bloodthirsty limbo to its core.
It’s a cool, if convoluted, narrative, but there’s a lot of originality and creativity on display. Beaton and Rozon are a great onscreen pair, with her fiery feminist take on Viv and his stoic demeanor as Jack. Viv has the type of brash and rebellious streak that’s sometimes abrasive, but it all ties into her punk persona in a way that feels authentic. The coolness of Jack bleeds with classic noir detective sensibilities, and their odd couple pairing works really well.
The film mixes bizarre humor with existential themes about death, regret, and the afterlife, giving it depth beyond its genre trappings. There’s something haunting and clever about how Purgatory is filled with those who died by suicide, creating a rich yet tragic tapestry for the story’s emotional core. The movie’s sense of humor and inventive world building are well-thought-out, and the characters are a lot of fun to watch. There’s a good amount of violence and blood too, if you’re a fan of that sort of thing.
While the film has a lot of cool ideas and a strange charm, it does feel overstuffed and uneven. Suffering from pacing issues, the narrative slows down far too much and makes the film feel longer than necessary. It’s not difficult to follow, but the sheer number of ideas, subplots, and visual flourishes threaten to overwhelm the central story. Trimming the fat and tightening the plot would have made the film feel more cohesive and focused.
I really found “Purgatory Jack” to be original and different, and it’s always fun to find those qualities in a small independent film. With its imaginative setting, well-drawn characters, and stylish visuals, this is an interesting, if imperfect, watch.
By: Louisa Moore
Screen Zealots 