Another film gem has been found! Deadly Justice which I watched recently on Prime Video. I did complete a non spoiler review video over at the frompage2screen YouTube channel and ill post that video at the bottom of this article but for those who would rather read my thoughts then please do carry on with this article. 

Deadly Justice marks the directorial debut of Karen Klein, and if IMDb is correct in stating this is indeed her first feature, she deserves recognition. Karyn has crafted a great indie thriller that has both my thumbs up!  Deadly Justice written by one of my favourite actors Corin Nemec (who also appears in the film as Theo), is a solid, wonderfully paced psychological thriller that recalls the best of 1990s “movie-of-the-week” suspense dramas which I used to adore (and still do- when I find them )  

Cockrel Entertainment, who brought Deadly Justice to Prime Video, has quietly become a curator of hidden gems across genres—sci-fi, horror, and psychological thrillers. Renting the film for under £4 feels like rolling the dice at a video store again, and for those of us who miss browsing shelves for a surprise discovery, that nostalgia adds to the viewing experience.

 

Even more fitting, Deadly Justice is co-produced by Odyssey Motion Pictures—the very same label (I think)  that once populated VHS rental stores with beloved TV thrillers like To Catch a Killer and I Know My First Name Is Steven (the latter also featuring Corin). That connection is more than a neat easter egg for me  it reinforced the film’s lineage as a modern continuation of those tense, character-driven thrillers that at one time were everywhere, but sadly nowadays are lacking in the public eye. Thankful  filmmakers do still make them, they are just not as widespread as I feel they should be. (but thats another topic for me to cover on a podcast one day)

At the heart of Deadly Justice is Holly (played by Kelly Sullivan), a lawyer who previously prosecuted a corrupt judge. With the disgraced Judge Halstead (played by Billy Miller) behind bars, Holly believes the case is closed until cracks begin to form. A true-crime show host, Dale (played by Brian Krause), suggests the judge may have been innocent, throwing Holly’s professional reputation into question.

Enter Theo (played by Corin Nemec), whose sudden appearance in Holly’s life feels too coincidental but is this a misdirect for the viewer. .The story then spins into a tale of stalking, threats, and a taser gun being used several times throughout, Deadly Justice transforms into a real fun guessing game. Much like an Agatha Christie mystery, I was kept busy trying to determine who’s guilty, who’s innocent, and who might not survive the ordeal and whether my original guesses were in fact correct or should I change them.

 

Karyn Klein’s directing is excellent, the film never overstays its welcome and at just under 90 minutes, Deadly Justice understands the value of efficiency , pacing and what a great night’s entertainment should deliver. Deadly Justice delivers on every level from casting, production, story and is a great indie thriller that I do highly recommend 

On a side note Both the opening and closing credits feature a catchy, well-sung track that lingers in my memory though curiously, neither the credits nor the films IMDb page identify the performer. Whoever they are, they deserve recognition for enhancing the film’s atmosphere and putting a great song in my head. 

Deadly Justice manages to feel both nostalgic and fresh. Fans of 1990s thrillers like Single White Female, The Hand That Rocks the Cradle, and Unlawful Entry will feel right at home, while newer audiences may find it a welcome break from today’s endless IP-driven cinema and shared universes 

Deadly Justice is not a horror film, nor is it gratuitously violent or vulgar. Instead, it thrives on suspense, character interplay, and a plot that invites the audience to play detective alongside the protagonists. The film and story doesn’t need to be filled with gore, violence or harsh language just as so many films nowadays are, and thats not to say I shy away from films that are gory, violent and sweary. Its just that Deadly Justice doesn’t need those things to instil a sense of terror, tense atmosphere and suspense. 

For those who miss the golden days of video rentals and “hidden gem” thrillers, this film scratches that itch perfectly. Karynn Klein shows real promise as a director, Corin Nemec proves he has just as much to offer as a writer as he does an actor, and Cockerel Entertainment continues to champion independent voices and continues to showcase film gem after film gem.

Deadly Justice is Out Now and can be rented or bought from Prime Video HERE

As I mentioned earlier in this article. I did compile a non spoiler review of Deadly Justice on the frompage2screen YouTube Channel. Here is that video