Risqué

Alright, my fellow film fanatics, let's talk about something that just landed on my radar and got my cinematic senses tingling: "Risqué." And let me tell you, if you're looking for a high-octane, unapologetically fierce ride, Tony Dean Smith's 2025 action-crime-thriller is absolutely one to watch. Clocking in at a tight 91 minutes, this movie doesn't waste a single frame.

What truly shines here, beyond the explosive action, is the sheer audacity of its premise. A vengeful dancer, fired from a strip club, masterminds a heist with her fellow performers to take down a corrupt boss? Yes, please! This isn't just a revenge flick; it's a defiant roar against underestimation, a middle finger to the patriarchy, and a celebration of female solidarity. Leah Gibson, as our lead, is magnetic – she embodies that simmering rage and steely determination perfectly. And the ensemble, featuring Eloise Lovell Anderson and Silvia Orduna, really sells the camaraderie and the desperation that fuels their dangerous plan. It's a fantastic subversion of expectations, taking characters often relegated to the background and thrusting them into the spotlight as clever, capable architects of their own justice. The narrative structure is lean and mean, building tension with expert precision, and the pacing is relentless, which for a thriller, is exactly what you want.

Now, while "Risqué" delivers on its promise of thrills and spills, I gotta be real, sometimes the sheer efficiency of the plot means some of the character development beyond our protagonist feels a tad rushed. We get glimpses into the lives of the other dancers, just enough to root for them, but I found myself wishing for a little more depth, a few more quiet moments to truly understand their individual motivations beyond the collective goal. Also, while the action sequences are slick, a few moments leaned a bit too heavily into the 'cinematic cool' rather than gritty realism, which occasionally pulled me out of the immersion.

But honestly, these are minor quibbles in an otherwise exhilarating package. "Risqué" is pure, unadulterated escapism with a sharp social commentary edge. It's a stylish, energetic, and empowering film that doesn't just entertain; it makes a statement. If you're in the mood for a movie that's bold, brash, and brimming with attitude, you absolutely need to check this one out. It’s a solid 7.5 out of 10 for me – a thrilling, punchy ride that leaves you wanting more.