Dusk For A Hitman Movie Review-- Available Now From Saban Films

Whenever a new mob movie comes out, so do the comparisons to that of The Godfather, or Goodfellas. Well, as far as telling a true story, where The Godfather is not, Dusk For A Hitman does a great job of creating realism in every scene, it also helps that Éric Bruneau (The Fall of the American Empire, "Coroner") has such a convincing performance as real-life hitman Donald Lavoie.

Éric Bruneau as “Donald Lavoie” in the action/thriller, DUSK FOR A HITMAN, a Saban Films release. Photo courtesy of Saban Films.

We often hear about people who would kill their family or friends for a dollar, Donald Lavoie, was such a person and to be able to find someone to play that well enough to give us an idea of what he was like, they found their star in Éric Bruneau.

{ÉRIC BRUNEAU is one of the most sought-after and well-rounded Quebec actors of his generation, both on stage and on the big and small screens. Éric has appeared in the popular TV series Annie et ses hommes, Musée Éden, Tu m'aimes-tu?and Mensonges I-II-III-IV. He played a starring role in three seasons of Blue Moon, Trop and Coroner. His television performances have earned him several nominations at the Gala des prix Gémeaux and the Gala Artis.}

Benoit Gouin as“Claude Dubois” in the action/thriller, DUSK FOR A HITMAN, a Saban Films release. Photo courtesy of Saban Films.

Equally as good is Benoit Gouin as Donald's boss, tough and as unforgiving as one would think. A man of few words, he doesn't like a mess or complications. He has the look of a stone-cold killer and his blood flows of ice. These are not people to mess with.

Sylvain Marcel as “Roger Burns” in the action/thriller, DUSK FOR A HITMAN, a Saban Films release. Photo courtesy of Saban Films.

This being a crime film, of course, the police are going to be involved at some point, however, this is a film that doesn't follow conventional storytelling. The interview process is different and the overall mood is one of uncertainty, I was not sure where the film was going next, which doesn't happen often.

[L-R] Éric Bruneau as “Donald Lavoie” and Rose-Marie Perreault as “Francine Lavoie” in the action/thriller, DUSK FOR A HITMAN, a Saban Films release. Photo courtesy of Saban Films

Simon Landry-Desy as “Carl Lavoie” in the action/thriller, DUSK FOR A HITMAN, a Saban Films release. Photo courtesy of Saban Films

Donald's younger brother, Carl(above), needs work and asks him for help. Maybe he can work with him on some of the jobs and earn his keep and make his way up, instead, Donald offers him money and tells him to stay out of the business. Eventually, Carl does a job with Donald, he and another guy are sent into a store to scare the owner and they end up beating him half to death. Claude Dubois hears about this and orders Donald to kill his brother.

It's a story ripped from the headlines in the 1970s/80s Quebec.

Solid film throughout, I cannot recommend it more and I hope it's up for some awards next year.

Watch the trailer here