Cheap Thrills (2013) Movie Review – Where to Watch Online
Directed by E.L. Katz, Cheap Thrills is a darkly comedic thriller that explores the limits of desperation and morality. Starring Pat Healy, Ethan Embry, Sarah Paxton, and David Koechner, the film follows two friends whose lives take a shocking turn when they encounter a wealthy couple who offer them money for increasingly outrageous and dangerous challenges. With its gripping narrative and unsettling themes, Cheap Thrills is a thought-provoking examination of human nature under pressure.
In this review, we’ll explore the plot, character performances, themes, visual style, and critical reception, along with where to stream or rent Cheap Thrills online in the U.S.
Plot Summary: A Descent into Madness
The film centers on Craig (Pat Healy), a down-on-his-luck father struggling to make ends meet. After a chance meeting with his old friend Vince (Ethan Embry), the two reconnect and decide to grab a drink. Their night takes a wild turn when they encounter a wealthy couple, Colin (David Koechner) and Violet (Sarah Paxton), who propose a series of increasingly bizarre and dangerous dares for cash.
As the night progresses, the stakes rise, and the challenges become more extreme, pushing the characters to their limits. The line between fun and peril blurs, and the consequences of their actions spiral out of control, leading to a shocking climax that forces each character to confront their moral boundaries.
Cast and Performances: A Captivating Ensemble
Cheap Thrills features a talented cast that delivers strong performances, effectively conveying the film’s tension and dark humor:
- Pat Healy as Craig portrays a relatable character grappling with desperation and moral dilemmas. His transformation throughout the film is both compelling and unsettling.
- Ethan Embry as Vince brings an unpredictable energy to the role, embodying the thrill-seeking friend who pushes Craig into increasingly risky situations.
- David Koechner as Colin is both charismatic and menacing, expertly balancing humor and danger as he manipulates the situation for his entertainment.
- Sarah Paxton as Violet adds complexity to the dynamic, showcasing a character who is both alluring and unsettling in her support of the escalating challenges.
Themes: Morality, Desperation, and Human Nature
Cheap Thrills delves into several significant themes:
- Morality and ethics: The film raises questions about the lengths individuals will go to for money and the moral compromises they make. As the challenges escalate, characters are forced to confront their own ethical boundaries.
- Desperation and societal pressure: Craig and Vince’s financial struggles highlight the desperation that can drive people to make irrational and dangerous choices. The film serves as a commentary on the impact of economic hardship on personal values.
- The nature of entertainment: Cheap Thrills critiques societal fascination with spectacle and humiliation, showcasing how people can become desensitized to violence and moral decay for entertainment.
Visual Style: Tense and Unsettling
The visual style of Cheap Thrills effectively amplifies the film’s tense atmosphere. The confined setting of the house creates a claustrophobic feel, heightening the sense of impending doom as the night unfolds. The use of close-ups and handheld camera work draws viewers into the characters’ emotional turmoil, making the experience more intimate and immediate.
The cinematography balances dark humor with shocking moments, ensuring that the film maintains a sense of unease throughout.
Critical Reception: A Mixed Yet Appreciated Experience
Cheap Thrills received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences alike. Many praised its sharp writing, strong performances, and the way it tackles difficult themes with a mix of humor and horror. Some viewers found the film’s premise unsettling, but it was this discomfort that resonated with many as a commentary on human nature.
Critics highlighted the film’s ability to blend dark comedy with thriller elements, making it a unique entry in the genre.
Where to Watch Cheap Thrills Online in the U.S.
If you’re interested in watching Cheap Thrills, here are some platforms in the U.S. where you can find it:
1. Amazon Prime Video
Cheap Thrills is available for rental or purchase on Amazon Prime Video.
- Rental Price: Around $3.99
- Purchase Price: Approximately $9.99
- Devices: Available on Fire TV, Roku, smart TVs, and mobile devices.
2. Apple TV (iTunes)
Apple TV users can rent or purchase Cheap Thrills in HD.
- Rental Price: Around $3.99
- Purchase Price: Approximately $9.99
- Devices: Available on iPhones, iPads, Apple TVs, and Macs.
3. Google Play Movies & TV
You can rent or purchase Cheap Thrills on Google Play Movies.
- Rental Price: Around $3.99
- Purchase Price: Approximately $9.99
- Devices: Watch on Android devices, smart TVs, and Chromecast.
4. Vudu
Vudu offers Cheap Thrills for rental and purchase without a subscription.
- Rental Price: Around $3.99
- Purchase Price: Approximately $9.99
- Devices: Available on Roku, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
5. YouTube Movies
YouTube Movies also has Cheap Thrills for rental or purchase.
- Rental Price: Around $3.99
- Purchase Price: Approximately $9.99
- Devices: Available on smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs.
Conclusion: A Provocative Dark Comedy
Cheap Thrills is a gripping and unsettling film that challenges viewers to confront the moral implications of desperation and entertainment. With strong performances and a unique premise, it effectively blends dark humor with thriller elements. For those interested in a thought-provoking and intense cinematic experience, Cheap Thrills is a must-watch, available on various streaming and rental platforms in the U.S.
