Gregory Hatanaka’s Dark Deeds is a sleek, intoxicating thriller that blends drama and mystery with his signature exploration of passion. The film follows a veteran detective, played with grounded gravitas by Nino Cimino, who finds himself drawn into a web of desire and intrigue when a woman—portrayed compellingly by Cassandra Schwiebert—becomes a suspect in a string of murders.
Hatanaka’s strength has always been his ability to capture raw, human passion, and here it shines. Every frame feels meticulously composed, like a painting set to a carefully curated Spotify playlist, where tension, longing, and temptation intertwine seamlessly. Chris Spinelli delivers an impressively intense performance, particularly in scenes that lean into indulgence and obsession, showing a commitment to character that’s both unsettling and fascinating.
The film’s pacing keeps you engaged, balancing the procedural elements with moments of personal stakes and emotional resonance. While the narrative is more straightforward than some of Hatanaka’s more experimental work, it benefits from a clarity that allows the actors’ performances and the sensual undertones to take center stage.
Dark Deeds is ultimately a study in desire and the dangerous allure it brings, elevated by strong performances and Hatanaka’s unmistakable visual and emotional style. A thrilling ride for those who appreciate a thriller with a pulse and a painterly sense of drama.
Jessie Hobson