The Beautiful Ones (2017) is an American crime action film that seamlessly blends romance, helmed by experienced director Jesse V. Johnson. The film tells the story of Gabriel Tancredi, a trusted hitman for a mafia family who faces an inner conflict when he falls in love with Eva Romano, a woman connected to the organization's enemy. It's a work that captivates audiences who enjoy intense drama and realistic action scenes.
Plot Summary (No Spoilers)
Gabriel Tancredi (Ross McCall) is a hitman who has worked for the Tancredi mafia family for years. He grew up with violence and loyalty to his gang brothers, but his life takes a turn when he meets Eva Romano (Fernanda Andrade), a beautiful woman hired to kill him. Instead of carrying out the hit, Eva chooses to save his life, and they quickly fall in love. But this love comes at a high price, as Gabriel's mafia family refuses to allow him a personal life, and when Eva is revealed to be from the opposing side, Gabriel must use all his skills to protect her from those he once called brothers.
Acting and Characters
Ross McCall as Gabriel convincingly portrays the emotions of a hitman with a troubled past, especially during moments when he must choose between love and loyalty. Fernanda Andrade as Eva does well as a strong yet vulnerable woman. The chemistry between them is palpable, drawing the audience into this forbidden love. Supporting actors like Julie Warner (Caterina Tancredi) and Jason Miller (Paulie) add depth to the mafia world, though the villain's role is somewhat shallow. Overall, the acting is a strong point of the film.
Direction, Cinematography, and Music
Jesse V. Johnson, a director with extensive experience in action films, delivers brutal and realistic fight scenes that feel more like MMA than flashy stunts. The cinematography adopts a semi-documentary style, focusing on intimate character moments. Nighttime city scenes bathed in neon lights create a beautiful yet melancholic atmosphere. The score by Sean Murray enhances dramatic scenes perfectly, though at times the music feels a bit overpowering, but not enough to ruin the mood.
Editorial Analysis
The Beautiful Ones may not be a groundbreaking mafia film, but what makes it interesting is its focus on the love dimension of a hitman forced to choose between heart and duty. The film questions what true 'family' is: blood ties or the people we choose to love? Although the plot follows the formula of forbidden love, the tight pacing and heavy action scenes compensate for this weakness. However, viewers expecting complex characters or plot twists may be disappointed, as the film is straightforward and prioritizes entertainment.
Verdict
Overall, The Beautiful Ones is an enjoyable film for a lazy day. For action fans looking to take a break from complex plots, and for those who like forbidden love stories in the mafia world, the film delivers a satisfying mix of action and drama. While not deep, it does not disappoint.
👍 Pros
- +Great chemistry between the leads, making the love story engaging
- +Raw and realistic action scenes without over-the-top effects
- +Tight pacing, 94 minutes long, offering a complete experience
👎 Cons
- −Plot is quite formulaic and predictable
- −Villain lacks depth and clear motivation
- −Some dialogue feels stiff and unnatural
Top Cast
FAQ
The film tells the story of Gabriel, a mafia hitman who falls in love with a woman named Eva, who is an enemy of the family. He must choose between love and loyalty to the organization.
No, it is an American film directed by Jesse V. Johnson, with an all-Western cast.
No, the film has a self-contained ending.
It is suitable for those who enjoy action-drama films with a crime-romance blend that is not over-the-top.
