A filmmaker, Chris (Lou Brown), and his journalist girlfriend, Sarah (Jennifer Cluff), set out to make a documentary focusing on wealthy businessman Dominic Black (David Clendenning). Dominic is not your typical businessman; he is known for hosting various entertainment events. Chris and Sarah are given permission to film one of Dominic’s celebrations on a large yacht. Upon arrival, they indulge in heavy drinking and partying with many women. Sarah becomes frustrated when she notices Chris is distracted, especially by another woman. Later, they get the chance to interview Dominic, who makes vague statements, emphasizing the privacy of his businesses. As the party winds down, Chris, intoxicated, finds himself on a beach, filming random things like the moon. He is once again distracted, but this time by a woman fleeing the yacht covered in blood. Chris films her as she falls into the water before disappearing so he cannot find her.
The next day, Chris and Sarah receive another invitation, this time to visit Dominic’s private luxury home and continue filming. When Chris meets with Dominic again, Chris makes it clear that he wants to capture something sensational for the film, and Dominic promises he can deliver. As they continue filming, Chris and Sarah become more suspicious of Dominic and his secretive behaviour. Dominic decides to “spice things up” by drugging both Chris and Sarah so he can find out why Chris is making a film about him and what information they have gathered so far. Desperate to create a film to advance his career, Chris finds himself in a dangerous situation as Dominic’s true intentions become clear. Now, he and Sarah are being manipulated.
Final Cut (also known as Death Games) is a dramatic thriller and Ozploitation title. Ozploitation films are Australian low-budget genre films from the 1970s and 80s, incorporating genres such as horror, comedy, sexploitation, and mindless action. In this film, the various risks and frustrations Chris and Sarah face deliver dramatic elements. At the same time, Dominic decides to take things up a notch by introducing various cat-and-mouse style games, which brings the thriller dimension. The film was directed by Ross Dimsey, who also directed Blue Fire Lady (1977) and Dimboola: The Stage Play (1973).
I found the filming style quite enjoyable. Some moments feel tense or unsettling, and there are instances where the camera captures close shots, which feel creative and unique. Characters, including Chris, often question what is real and what’s going on, and as the audience, you cannot help but be in the same boat as him for most of the film.
Performances here are pretty cheesy and cliché, and our leads continually make one poor choice after the next. David Clendenning, as Dominic, is easily the more enjoyable character of the lot. The actor is having a blast playing a wealthy man capable of doing whatever he wants. Dominic also has many lines of dialogue that are fun, naughty, and quotable. You also gain a sense that Chris and Sarah might not survive the stay with Dominic and that he may have more horrible plans up his sleeves.
Overall, Final Cut (also known as Death Games) is an Ozploitation film with a simple storyline and premise that makes it quite unique. It offers a fun mystery and cat-and-mouse-like games that keep you curious whether the main characters will make it out alive. David Clendenning’s portrayal of Dominic is a standout, and he effectively portrays the mysterious, powerful villain capable of doing whatever he desires. However, the film also has some cheesy aspects, such as the dialogue and the main characters consistently making one wrong choice after another. Nonetheless, if you’re looking for a fresh Ozploitation film with drama and thrills, Final Cut is worth checking out…only be sure you’re ready to play the game.
4.0/10
20th July 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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