Title: Cost of a Soul

Starring: Chris Kerson (‘Henry’s Crime), Will Blagrove (‘How Do You Know’), Judy Jerome (‘Bedwetter’), Gregg Almquist (TV’s ‘The Practice’)

Social commentary isn’t usually the first thing movie audiences think of when they watch films to be entertained. However, first time screenwriter/director Sean Kirkpatrick instantly grabs hold of the viewers of his full-length feature debut, ‘Cost of a Soul,’ by breaking the stereotype that dramatic interpretations of real-life issues can’t be captivating. His brave determination to show that continued violence hinders the growth of a community continuously shines through in the crime drama.

‘Cost of a Soul’ follows two wounded soldiers, Tommy Donahue (played by Chris Kerson) and DD Davis (portrayed by Will Blagrove), as they return home from active duty in Iraq to the slum neighborhood they grew up in. Both Tommy and DD seem proud of their accomplishments in the military, but are ashamed of the neighborhood they returned to. The two struggle to redeem themselves and improve their lives, but in the process, their families become involved in crime, violence and corruption.

Tommy returns home to his wife Faith (played by Judy Jerome) and disabled six-year-old daughter, Hope (portrayed by Maddie M. Jones). Faith is upset with Tommy for running off to the military when she was pregnant and leaving her without any health insurance. Tommy becomes distraught that Faith accepted money from the neighborhood crime boss, Charlie ‘Bernie’ Burns (played by Gregg Almquist), while he was in Iraq because she was desperate for help to take care of Hope. Bernie now has Tommy in his debt, and orders him to threaten and kill on his behalf.

Meanwhile, DD is struggling to find a job and make an honest living, and is disappointed that his older brother Darnell (portrayed by Nakia Dillard) has become the neighborhood drug lord. DD is determined to keep Darnell away from their younger brother James (played by Daveed Ramsay), so he doesn’t follow down the same path.

Kirkpatrick ambitiously wanted to tell the stories of the people of his hometown of North Philadelphia, one of America’s toughest and most violent neighborhoods. While filming ‘Cost of a Soul,’ Rogue, the studio that is releasing the movie, believed it would be impossible to complete it on its small budget and short 18-day shooting schedule. But Kirkpatrick proved what a resilient, creative filmmaker he is by pushing forward. His determination to show the anxiety wounded soldiers face when they return home from war brilliantly shines through in the movie’s plot-line and characters.

While Tommy and DD come from different family backgrounds, audiences will undoubtedly empathize with both, as they’re both determined to make a better life for their families. Both Tommy and DD perfectly embody the outrage held by many North Philadelphia residents towards the violence that has plagued the neighborhood. The two showcase the numerous cultures and races that are united by their struggles and hatred of the murders and drugs that have polluted the streets. While Tommy and DD have few scenes together, Kirkpatrick still achieves his goal of embracing the different cultures and problems plaguing the city in ‘Cost of a Soul.’

Kirkpatrick has said that he not only wanted ‘Cost of a Soul’ to break down stereotypes, but also expose “the racial boundaries and mentalities that only result in halting collective growth.” He achieved this goal by not relying on police and security to protect the cast and crew while filming; instead, he involved the people living in the neighborhood where he shot. As a result, the public willingly looked out for and embraced those working on the movie. This community relationship allowed Kirkpatrick to tell the true story of the neighborhood.

Rogue has rightfully partnered with AMC Theaters to market and distribute ‘Cost of a Soul.’ The movie won last year’s Big Break Movie Contest, which offers directors with previously undistributed feature-length films the chance to obtain theatrical distribution rights across the U.S. AMC will release the movie in 50 theaters across America as part of its AMC Independent program, showing how realistic and groundbreaking the movie’s story turned out to be.

Kirkpatrick took a risky chance detailing how dangerous and violent the streets of North Philadelphia can be in ‘Cost of a Soul,’ especially as a first time director. But his efforts paid off, and with the support of the community, he was able to show how all of the cultures in the neighborhood are struggling to survive. He also skillfully showcased how stereotypes and violence can suppress the growth of a community.

Technical: B

Acting: B+

Story: A-

Overall: B+

Written by: Karen Benardello