ONCE FALLEN

Cinemavixion Review

Ash Adams' directorial debut, "Once Fallen," is a gritty and compelling indie thriller that delves into the inescapable grip of familial legacy and the arduous path to redemption. The film centers on Chance (a strong performance by Brian Presley), who, upon his release from a five-year prison sentence for a crime he took the fall for, desperately seeks to rebuild his life and reconnect with his son. However, his estranged father, Liam (portrayed with menacing authority by Ed Harris), a powerful Aryan Brotherhood leader, continues to exert influence from behind bars. As Chance attempts to forge a legitimate existence and protect his ex-girlfriend Kat (Taraji P. Henson) and their child, he finds himself inexorably drawn back into a dangerous underworld of crime, loyalty, and betrayal. The narrative masterfully navigates treacherous alliances and forces Chance to confront difficult truths about his family's criminal history. Adams, who also penned the script, crafts a story rich with themes of redemption, the complex bonds of family, and the profound struggle to escape one's past. While the film received one award, its true strength lies in its raw portrayal of these enduring human struggles, making it a noteworthy entry in the crime thriller genre.