Passion Art by Jennie Kermode
There are films that stick with you long after the credits roll, and Steve Oram’s latest work, Crushed, certainly falls into that category. When we discuss it, the conversation quickly moves past the plot and delves into the deeper, more uncomfortable questions about morality and justice.
For some viewers, the story might initially seem heavy. One might have an instinctive aversion to narratives centered on kidnapping and violent revenge. Yet, despite that initial reservation, the film demands attention.
Oram masterfully subverts expectations. He doesn’t follow the predictable path of vengeance; instead, he guides the audience into a space that is strikingly sensitive and deeply thoughtful. As one observer noted, the brilliance of the film lies in its refusal to follow conventional dramatic expectations.
It feels like an antidote to more simplistic, revenge-driven narratives. Instead of focusing solely on the mechanics of violence, Crushed explores the complex landscape of justice—not as a simple, linear outcome, but as a multitude of possibilities.
The film forces us to consider how we imagine justice, and what paths those ideas ultimately lead us down. This exploration of ethical ambiguity is precisely where the true power of the storytelling emerges.
At the heart of the narrative is the enduring, painful question of accountability, particularly when confronting a figure who seems to evade any form of retribution. The ending, and the persistent evasion of justice, is what truly leaves an indelible mark on the viewer.
It is a powerful meditation on the nature of right and wrong, showing us the intricate ways these concepts can shift and evolve when placed under scrutiny.
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