He Bled Neon: A Review of Drew Kirsch's Directorial Debut

Drew Kirsch, known for his work in music videos, makes his feature film debut with *He Bled Neon*, which premiered at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival. The film, co-written by Tim Cairo and Jake Gibson, is loosely based on the childhood experiences of producer Nate Bolotin. Set against the backdrop of New Mexico, which substitutes for the gritty corners of Las Vegas, the narrative follows Ethan, portrayed by Joe Cole, a former petty gangster turned real estate professional who is drawn back into the criminal underworld following the mysterious death of his brother.

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Ethan's return to Las Vegas is marked by grief and confrontation with his past. He faces the challenges of dealing with his senile mother and the resentment of former friends who feel betrayed by his departure. As he seeks justice for his brother, Ethan engages in a series of violent encounters with low-life dealers and mid-level crime bosses. However, the film's structure leads to repetitive confrontations that fail to advance the plot or deepen character development.

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Critics have pointed out that *He Bled Neon* struggles to establish a coherent narrative or compelling character arcs. The film's attempts at neo-noir aesthetics are described as unconvincing, with the action sequences and homecoming drama criticized for being cliché and lacking authenticity. The performances of the cast, including Marshawn Lynch and Rita Ora, have been noted as uneven, with Ora's screen presence being a highlight amidst an otherwise lackluster ensemble.

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While Kirsch's ambition to transition from music videos to feature films is acknowledged, critics suggest that the execution falls short. The film is characterized as a "limp endeavor" that fails to offer anything unique or engaging, raising questions about the director's choice of project for his debut.

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• “He Bled Neon is an effort to map out an intriguingly interconnected web of low-life dealers and mid-level crime bosses, but every encounter Ethan has along his bloody journey is a repeat of the one before it.” — Hollywood Reporter

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• “If you’re going to give your movie that title, its gunk and viscera really better glow.” — Hollywood Reporter

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• “But there’s so little that’s unique here that I wonder if Kirsch maybe should have held out for a project that spoke to him a bit more.” — Hollywood Reporter

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*He Bled Neon* represents Drew Kirsch's attempt to carve out a space in the feature film landscape, yet it ultimately struggles to resonate with audiences. The film's reliance on familiar tropes and lack of originality may hinder its impact, leaving viewers questioning the potential of Kirsch's future projects.

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