Failure! is a 2023 Mexican-American crime comedy film written and directed by Alex Kahuam. The film stars Ted Raimi, Merrick McCartha, Noel Douglas Orput, Melissa Diaz and Christin Muuli.

Failure!
Theatrical release poster
Directed byAlex Kahuam
Written byAlex Kahuam
Produced by
  • Marco De Molina
  • Kayli Fortun
  • Alex Kahuam
  • Ted Raimi
  • Jose D. Rodriguez
Starring
  • Ted Raimi
  • Merrick McCartha
  • Noel Douglas Orput
  • Melissa Diaz
  • Christin Muuli
  • Daniel Kuhlman
  • LeVar Michael
  • Spencer Langston
  • John Paul Medrano
  • Ernest Cavazos
  • Joe Barra
  • Chris Paul Morales
  • Alex Sands
  • Hyeong Choi
CinematographyErnesto Lomeli
Edited byAlex Kahuam
Music byVincent Gillioz
Production
companies
  • Promotora NAE
  • Spacebrain Entertainment
Distributed byRed Water Entertainment
Release date
Running time
87 minutes
Countries
  • Mexico
  • United States
LanguageEnglish

Plot

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Within one hour, a businessman must choose between his finances or murder to keep his family safe.

Cast

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  • Ted Raimi as James
  • Merrick McCartha as Mr. Serge
  • Noel Douglas Orput as Unknown Man
  • Melissa Diaz as Maria
  • Christin Muuli as Jessica
  • Daniel Kuhlman as Alvar
  • LeVar Michael as Robert
  • Spencer Langston as JP. Jr.
  • John Paul Medrano as Michael
  • Ernest Cavazos as Slavko
  • Joe Barra as Nicolas
  • Chris Paul Morales as Juan
  • Alex Sands as Charles
  • Hyeong Choi as Takuma

Production

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The film was shot in a single, 87 minute take.[1] Raimi said that principal photography took three days from rehearsal to final take.[2] It is the first of its kind by a Mexican director who shot the film in the United States.[3]

Release

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The film was picked up for distribution by Alief[4] at Marché du Film[2] and premiered at FrightFest on August 28, 2023.[5] In May 2024, Red Water Entertainment acquired the North American distribution rights, with a 2025 release date.[6]

Reception

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Failure! received mostly positive reviews from critics. It has a 75% approval rating on film review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes with an average score of 7.7/10 based on eight reviews.[7]

Martin Unsworth at Starburst Magazine scored the film 5 out of 5.[8] Paul Chapinal at Film News gave it 4 out of 5 stars.[9] Film critic Kim Newman said the film is more satisfying that Kahuam's Forgiveness.[10] Anton Bitel at Projected Figures said it is "an understated, if unpredictable chamber drama" that "is concerned with broader themes of American capital and criminality."[11]

References

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  1. ^ Meza, Ed (2023-05-23). "Alex Kahuam's Ted Raimi Thriller 'Failure!' Goes With Alief (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety (Press release). Retrieved 2023-07-31.
  2. ^ a b Navarro, Meagan (2023-05-19). "'Failure!' – Ted Raimi Previews Ambitious, Violent, Single-Take Thriller Ahead of Cannes Debut [Exclusive]". Bloody Disgusting (Interview). Retrieved 2023-07-31.
  3. ^ Mack, Andrew (2022-06-28). "FAILURE! Alex Kahuam Directs Genre Icon Ted Raimi in Single Take Thriller". Screen Anarchy. Retrieved 2023-07-31.
  4. ^ Hamman, Cody (2023-07-19). "Failure! teaser trailer: Ted Raimi thriller to premiere at FrightFest". JoBlo (Press release). Retrieved 2023-07-31.
  5. ^ Squires, John (2023-07-18). "'Failure!' Trailer – Ted Raimi Stars in Single Take Thriller Headed to FrightFest 2023". Bloody Disgusting. Retrieved 2023-07-31.
  6. ^ Ramachandran, Naman (May 16, 2024). "Ted Raimi Thriller 'Failure!' Snapped Up for North American Distribution at Cannes Market by Red Water Entertainment (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved May 16, 2024.
  7. ^ "Failure!". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango. Retrieved September 4, 2023.
  8. ^ Unsworth, Martin (2023-08-28). "FAILURE! [FrightFest 2023]". Starburst. Retrieved 2023-08-28.
  9. ^ Chapinal, Paul (2023-08-28). "Failure!". Film News. Retrieved 2023-08-28.
  10. ^ Newman, Kim (2023-08-28). "FrightFest review – Failure!". The Kim Newman Web Site. Retrieved 2023-08-28.
  11. ^ Bitel, Anton (2023-08-28). "Failure! (2023)". Projected Figures. Retrieved 2023-08-28.
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