RATING: A-

Scatena and Rosner Films and GVN Releasing presents a Leisure Films LLC Production. Directed by Nick Leisure. Produced by Justin Nesbitt. Written by Damion Stephens. Cinematography by Martin Moody. Edited by 

Stars Michael Copon, Joel Brady, Josh Gilmer, Rafael Siegal, Lamondo Hill II, Shala White, Victoria Brandart, and Siddalee Diax.

A New Year’s party turns chaotic for these lifelong friends in this black comedy from director Nick Leisure.

It’s the annual New Year party for a group of lifelong friends. The hosts this year are David and his wife Claire. The group includes police officer Jacob and his wife Misty; Stuart and his boyfriend Travis; and finally, doctor Roy and his girlfriend Kira. At first, everyone seems to be having fun, especially when Roy brings the party to Jacob by bringing a small bit of cocaine. Everyone starts to have fun until the guys are chilling at the pool table to pick some resolutions.

Jacob pulls one out of his hat that reads “kill someone”. This begins to put a damper on things, until Travis sees Jacob pull his gun out and accidentally causes himself to be shot in the leg. This begins a chain reaction of triggering events amongst the friends, who soon become paranoid and turn on each other, leading to an unforgettable night. Who is destined to survive this New Year’s, and who will fall victim and end up dead?

This was quite a wild black comedy that is reminiscent of films like Very Bad Things and even one that was recent, Triggered. Both of these films involved a group of friends forced into a situation they never imagined and end up on a chaotic whirlwind of debauchery, partying, and death. In the case of this film, screenwriter Damion Stephens offers up some crazy twists and revelations that lead to quite the body count. 

The ensemble cast is great in this. Former Power Ranger Michael Copon is terrific as Roy, who is somewhat of a catalyst for this night as he takes bumps of cocaine (complete with an 80’s synth sound to match when doing it) with off-duty police officer Jacob, played by Josh Gilmer. Rafael Siegal, who is more known for his appearance in Dhar Mann Studios’ videos, offers up a dose of comic wit and emotional wrath in the role of Stuart while Joel Brady’s Damon, the host for this night, tends to be a milquetoast for most of the film. 

As for the ladies, well, they sort of don’t have much redeeming qualities. Sorry to say, but they have come off as arrogant, pompous, and standoff-ish at times. Well, maybe Claire, played by Shala White, seems to be the most grounded of the group. Roy’s girlfriend Kira, played by Siddalee Diaz, gives off a bit of the gold digger vibes while Victorya Brandart’s Misty definitely comes off as a trophy wife especially when an incident results in her getting mad over her dress. If there is a redeeming factor when it comes to characters, the final twenty minutes are mind-blowing and jaw-dropping. 

New Year’s Absolution is a crazy black comedy that makes the most of its cast in terms of their performances and the script takes some wild and wacky twists. Some characters you want to root for, others, not so much. Nevertheless, if you like films like Very Bad Things, then check this film out!