Standoff (2016) is a tense, contained thriller written and directed by Adam Alleca. The film is a gripping story of redemption, survival, and moral reckoning, featuring strong performances by its small cast.
The film centers on two primary characters:
- Carter Greene (Thomas Jane): Carter is a grieving, alcoholic ex-soldier who is struggling with the death of his son and the subsequent collapse of his marriage. He lives in isolation at his rural farmhouse, tormented by guilt and regret.
- Sade (Laurence Fishburne): Sade is a cold, calculating hitman who finds himself locked in a deadly standoff with Carter after a hit goes wrong.
The story begins with a 12-year-old girl named Bird (Ella Ballentine), who accidentally witnesses Sade committing a murder at a cemetery. Bird captures the killing on her camera and becomes the target of Sade’s relentless pursuit. Desperate to escape, she seeks refuge in Carter’s farmhouse.
What follows is a harrowing standoff between Carter and Sade. Armed with a single shotgun and limited ammunition, Carter uses his military training and the layout of his house to protect Bird from Sade’s ruthless attempts to break in. The situation turns into a psychological battle as Sade tries to manipulate Carter and force him to surrender, while Carter fights not only to protect Bird but also to find redemption for his own failures.
Standoff received mixed-to-positive reviews, with critics praising the performances of Thomas Jane and Laurence Fishburne but noting the simplicity of the plot. The film was lauded for its taut pacing and psychological tension, though some reviewers felt it adhered too closely to genre conventions.
