Dan H
Toxic Impulses kicks off with a stylish opening credit sequence, immediately setting the tone for a neo-noir thrill ride. The film follows disgraced ex-police officer turned gumshoe, Mosley (played by Benedikt Sebastian), who is recruited by a troubled femme fatale, Zamira (Olivia Buckle), seeking protection from the sadistic thug Boyd (Robert Ackerman Moss). As Mosley becomes entangled in Zamira's web of deceit, he’s pulled into a whirlwind of deception, including a series of high-stakes bank robberies. Of course, in true noir fashion, nothing about Zamira is as straightforward as it seems.
Part detective story, part teasing romance, Toxic Impulses is a dark, suspenseful film with shades of Philip Marlowe-style noir. Despite its micro-budget, the film impresses with its sharp photography, polished editing, and clever use of montages set against a moody and dramatic score. Shot in present-day Los Angeles, Toxic Impulses delivers an atmospheric tale that captures the gritty essence of classic noir, skillfully adapted for modern times. If you're a fan of the genre, this indie gem is definitely worth the watch.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
09/26/24
Full Review
Ruby C
Toxic Impulses is worth a watch. Great sound track, great editing, and full of suspense. One unexpected turn after another. If you're looking for an entertaining and fun indie film with a bit of noir, this is it. The gorgeous shots of LA and the LA skyline are an added bonus.
We follow ex-cop turned private detective as he tries to help bank robber Zemira, whom he finds out later is bank robber, stop her blackmailer. But she is too entangled with a sociopath killer who has her backed in a corner... or is she the sociopath?
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
09/22/24
Full Review
Sydney F
From the opening credit scene straight out of an HBO series, to the way it was shot and acted, it's easy to see that a lot of thought and love was put into Toxic Impulses by the director Kyle Schadt. It's only after the credits roll that you realize how few people worked on this film and how many roles Kyle himself filled.
One of my biggest complaints about small Independent films is the lack of scale and thought put into the locations. But that's not the case with this film, from airplanes, to bank heists, to underwater scenes you won't feel like you're stuck in a single location watching this film.
The acting was well done and the lead, Olivia Buckle (Zemira), did a great job at making you love to hate her!
The film is an interesting showcase in what spiraling down a path of destruction can do to your life. We get trapped in circumstances and do things that we don't necessarily want to do. Other than a few plot holes that left me a bit confused, if you like neo noir thrillers then you'll definitely want to give toxic impulses a try.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
09/09/24
Full Review
HighWater F
"Toxic Impulses," directed by Kyle Schadt, is a captivating neo-noir thriller that grips you from the start. Set in a gritty urban landscape, the film follows an ordinary man caught in a web of deceit and danger.
Schadt's direction is both stylish and precise, capturing the essence of the genre with a modern twist. The cinematography features moody lighting and striking visuals, enhancing the film's tense atmosphere.
The cast delivers strong performances, especially the lead, who portrays a man grappling with moral dilemmas. The screenplay is tight, filled with unexpected twists and sharp dialogue. The suspense builds steadily, heightened by a haunting score.
For fans of neo-noir and suspense, "Toxic Impulses" is a must-watch, showcasing Schadt's talent as a filmmaker.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
06/19/24
Full Review
Alec C
Moseley’s an ex-cop turned private eye, navigating the treacherous streets of L.A. He doesn’t have much going for him, other than a thoughtful neighbor named Liz, and her faithful pooch. When Zemira shows up at his door looking to hire him, he isn’t in any position to turn her down. She’s trouble—Mosely knows it, Liz knows it, but he just can’t say no to her. She turns out to be more than trouble, taking down bank scores for a wiseguy boss who’s even worse. Before Mosely can even fathom how fast the water’s rising, he’s already circling the drain. Toxic Impulses is a thriller with heart. It features morally bankrupt characters in lust with fast money, but is not without a flicker of rising human compassion.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
06/08/24
Full Review
Jerome V
Low-budget noir/thriller set in modern-day Los Angeles. Hero Peter Mosley (Benedikt Sebastian) falls for girl-next-door femme fatale Zemira (the talented Olivia Buckle). Mosley lacks the smarts to grasp that Zemira may be using him. The main plot revolves around a series of high-stakes bank heists that a team is executing. Our girl is caught in the middle of things. Elements of crime, deceit, murder, secret addictions, cash. A lot of bad-guy thugs with guns. The lead guy isn't too smart -- but that's often a key element in a good noir film.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/10/24
Full Review
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