Fantasia 2021: Back in 1993, Andrew Davis’ The Fugitive (based on the 1960s TV show of the same name) proved to be a huge hit, earning just under $370 million at the box office and garnering a Best Supporting Oscar for Tommy Lee Jones. Almost 30 years on, and the sub-genre of a person having to clear their name for a crime they definitely didn’t commit is as strong as ever, clearly proven by this year’s Indemnity.
Theo (Jarrid Geduld), a firefighter, is suffering from PTSD following the death of two of his colleagues whilst on the job, refusing to process his trauma through therapy, and drinking his way through the day. One day, his journalist wife, Angie (Nicole Fortuin) is contacted by a whistleblower intent on revealing a government conspiracy that involves Theo directly.
It would be regrettable to reveal too much further here, but needless to say, there is little to no chance that the aforementioned Harrison Ford thriller was not a direct influence. Barring some of the film’s later beats, Indemnity is very reminiscent of conspiracy thrillers that have come before – but that’s not to say it is in any way a badly made, nor even entirely uninspired film.
Whilst most of the plot remains enjoyably predictable, there are moments of subversion. The relationship between the two officers in charge of Theo’s eventual case, General Alan Shard (Andre Jacobs) and Detective Rene Williamson (Gail Mabalane) doesn’t quite go the way you’d expect, whilst its finale remains bittersweet until its closing credits. These may be small offerings for something entirely standard and pleasant to watch, but make a big difference when the sub-genre is so explored.
It’s not always so successful in this area, as look too closely and you’ll be able to spot the plot holes easily – extra time and attention towards the minutiae of the script would’ve been beneficial to tighten up the aspects of a storyline involving something as complicated as government and pharmaceutical conspiracy. With something as grounded and set in the real world as this, everything needs to be fool-proof to avoid moments of ridicule.
Starting off wooden, Geduld seems to gel with his role the further along in the story he progresses, and the more desperate he gets to clear his name. By the film’s final act, you’re fully on board with his predicament, despite an initial reluctance, a vague toxic masculinity underlining his despising of therapy. A character arc more fully developed, he is a charismatic lead surrounded by generic cops and criminals (even if he suddenly fights like John Wick once the action kicks in).
Indemnity is far from a perfect film, but, compared to its larger-budget peers, it holds its own in a crowded market – all it needs is a little more attention to the finer details.
The 25th edition of the Fantasia International Film Festival will run from August 5 – 25, 2021. Check out our full coverage here.
