Adverse is a 2020 American crime thriller film written and directed by Brian Metcalf and starring Thomas Nicholas, Lou Diamond Phillips, Sean Astin, Kelly Arjen, Penelope Ann Miller, and Mickey Rourke. It was premiered at the Fantasporto Film Festival, Portugal's largest film festival, on February 28, 2020. The film earned Metcalf, a Platinum Remi Award, at the WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival.
The film was released theatrically in the United States on February 12, 2021, by Lionsgate.
Premise
A rideshare driver discovers that his sister is in debt to a dangerous crime syndicate.
Cast
Thomas Nicholas as Ethan
Lou Diamond Phillips as Dr. Cruz
Sean Astin as Frankie
Kelly Arjen as Mia
Penelope Ann Miller as Nicole
Mickey Rourke as Kaden
Jake T. Austin as Lars
Matt Ryan as Jake
Andrew Keegan as Jan
Aaron Schwartz as Detective Mitchell
Charlene Amoia as Mary
Jesse Garcia as Detective Ranie
Brian Metcalf as Dante
Production
Principal photography began in Los Angeles in October 2018. On January 17, 2019, it was confirmed that filming had been completed.
Release
Adverse had its world premiere at FantasPorto 2020, a film festival held in Oporto, Portugal, in February 2020. The film was theatrically released in the United States on February 12, 2021, by Lionsgate.
Critical reception
Variety's Joe Leydon reviewed the film calling it a "modestly diverting thriller". Vegas Film Critic, Jeff Howard, called it “an L.A. gritty crime story with lots of suspense and twists until the very end. So it’s very cool!”
Karen Woodham of Blazing Minds, summarized that “Brian A. Metcalf brings us a powerful and sometimes brutal drama that has a stellar cast and gave it 3 1/2 stars out of 5” Todd Gaines of Bulletproof Action stated “Adverse is an easy recommendation for all my slow-burn action revenge fans out there. Watch with confidence. 3.5 stars!”
MediaMikes’ Mike Gencarelli said “Overall if you are looking for a 90 minute rollercoaster ride with a great cast throughout, I would definitely recommend watching Adverse.” Joao Pinto of Portal Cinema said that the film “delivers what it promises, that is, a thriller with action and drama” and also gave it 3.5 stars.