The film begins with a young man, Chris (Mark O’Brien), entering the woods to conduct a secret drug and cash deal with another man. But during the exchange, something occurs that puts Chris on the run. While successfully getting away on a motorbike, he bumps into Stephen Davis (Will Patton), his father, by pure luck.
When Stephen finds his son, Chris is in shock and covered in someone else’s blood. While it’s been a year since the two have spoken, Stephen manages to get his son to calm down and explain the situation. Chris is in a world of trouble and needs money fast. While Stephen doesn’t agree with his son’s actions and life choices, he agrees to help him no matter what. The two work together in an attempt to get out of a dangerous situation, doing whatever it takes to save those they love.
Hammer is a crime drama with touching themes relating to ‘family’. I enjoyed the characters, especially actors Mark O’Brien and Will Patton, who certainly feel convincing as father and son. The two lead performances are the strongest element of the entire film. Most side performances feel a lot weaker than the two leads.
To my surprise, the film consists of a few mysteries which I also enjoyed seeing. This was something rather pleasing and, at times, it’s rather unpredictable. Why did Chris take the path that he took? How did he find himself conducting a deal in the bush? These are just some examples that are answered with great clarity in due time.
There are moments in the plot that feel slightly repetitive, and the pacing slowed down at times. Despite this, I still found plenty to enjoy from start to finish, thanks to the leads. The ending and final moments are the only aspects that I found deeply disappointing, mostly because some areas of the story feel incomplete, or it’s up to the viewers to make up their minds about how certain aspects end.
Overall, this is quite a solid crime drama that tells a touching story about a father and son. Their relationship is ultimately tested as the two try to survive and do anything to get out of trouble. It’s a touching, gripping film, and I was glad to see a few nice mysteries and reveals along the way. The film’s biggest strength is leading performances from Will Patton and Mark O’Brien. Mostly, this film delivers with only a few questionable aspects, namely some side characters’ performances and the film’s ending. This finale felt somewhat vague, leaving viewers to make some assumptions up for themselves.
6.3/10
24th August 2021
Written by Peter Walkden
WALKDEN ENTERTAINMENT
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