Netflix Sunday Time Dumps: Headshot

Netflix Sunday Time Dumps

Ah Sunday, the best day for dumping the time away. If you’re new here, the ongoing Netflix Sunday Time Dumps series is designed to introduce Lightgun Galaxy readers to movies and TV shows in Netflix’s streaming library that may have otherwise passed them by.

Although similar in structure to other streaming services, I find that Netflix’s algorithms are often simultaneously pitch perfect and surprising. It’s a great, time-saving way to explore what the service has to offer. However, it wasn’t an algorithm that led me to this week’s time dump. Oh no, for quite some time now I’ve been anxiously awaiting the opportunity to spend some time with this one.

Last week, we lazily chilled through the Netflix original series Flaked. This week we’re checking out Headshot.

Headshot Netflix

Headshot stars the somewhat fresh-faced martial arts impresario Iko Uwais from The Raid: Redemption and The Raid 2. He was also in the superb Man of Tai Chi and had a small bit in Star Wars: The Force Awakens — he was one of the gang members devoured by the tentacled rathtars while trying to apprehend Han Solo and crew.

So I was incredibly excited to see what he could do without long-time collaborator and director of the Raid series, Gareth Huw Evans. And let me tell you, I was not disappointed.

Although at its core just another boiler-plate, mid-tier, revenge-themed amnesiac Asian action movie, it’s elevated by experimental cinematography and staging — and, of course, killer action. The score is pretty rad too.

Now, don’t expect Raid-level technical proficiency in the action sequences. Where the Raid movies succeed is the painstaking training, staging, and choreography. And those just aren’t things that every movie has the luxury of. But with Headshot, there’s a ton of shaky cam meant to imply urgency and frenetic energy.

Headshot Netflix

But Headshot also smartly knows the benefits of pacing, allowing appropriate time to build suspense and giving every scene the weight it deserves. And, although incredibly wooden and at times bland, Iko Uwais has an undeniable electricity whenever fans are met with shit. He can really sell the fact that his character is in over his head, while also managing to come out on top through sheer will.

So dive headfirst into the flames and kick it up a notch. Check out the trailer below.

This week, I’d like to give an honorable mention to Three, also available on Netflix. It’s more of an adult thriller in its approach, as opposed to the juvenile shoot-em-up stylings of Headshot (no slight intended). Three‘s more glossy, polished look actually makes a great palate cleanser after witnessing the gritty mayhem of Headshot.

Check out the trailer below.

And feel free to leave recommendations of your own. I’m always on the hunt for another juicy dump. Okay, I definitely need to phrase that better…

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