Directed by Sandra Sciberras and written by Andrew O’Keefe, a retired sniper in hiding on an Australian ranch must reunite her elite kill squad when a vengeful warlord threatens her daughter. Starring: Radha Mitchell, Tim Roth, Annabel Wolfe, Ioan Gruffudd, Ryan Kwanten, Lee Tiger Halley, Charles Cottier and Pacharo Mzembe.
Going into any film like this, there’s one directive, and that’s entertainment. If it can knock your socks off at the same time, that’s a real bonus but the aim is purely to create an enjoyable experience which holds your attention, and Seven Snipers does that. Sandra Sciberras creates a tense atmosphere to shroud her cat and mouse game. There may be some less than stellar effects employed along the way but otherwise the visual is solid throughout. There’s some genuinely decent cinematography, providing things with a grit, and capturing that classic action palette.
There’s also a great progression, it’s not leaving everything to the last minute, it’s littering in the background info while slowly upping the stakes in the present. Most of the story might be fairly familiar, it doesn’t necessarily break the mould, but Andrew O’Keefe throws in a few nice additions of his own to keep things interesting. They don’t rely on the violence to keep things going, it’s used but there isn’t an excess of blood, gore or drawn out death scenes, which gives it a certain confidence.
A big part of what sells it is the performances, this is a great ensemble who can all do roles like this in their sleep. Radha Mitchell provides the classic battle-tested, traumatised lead whose past comes back to haunt them. Mitchell gives Kris a methodical quality, she sees the problem and immediately plots a course to resolve it. She’s calculated yet has that necessary hint of vulnerability, it’s a good formula. Of course, casting Tim Roth as the villain requires no explanation, he doesn’t disappoint, unless he has to do a dodgy accent which thankfully here, he does not.
Annabel Wolfe is the quintessential daughter, she’s learnt enough from her mother to protect herself but resents never really getting close to her, and her strict, protective nature, an oldie but a goodie. Ioan Gruffudd brings a touch of friendliness and warmth which is definitely appreciated. While Pacharo Mzembe is another great addition who doesn’t get anywhere near enough screen time, so his character remains a bit of a mystery but entertaining nonetheless.
Seven Snipers may not reinvent the wheel of the action-thrillers but it’s an enjoyable piece of easy entertainment. It moves well, it’s shot well, there’s a consistent cast full of familiar faces, and the plot works. It may have its flaws but ultimately, it’s a good time and that’s really what counts.
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