It’s different and intriguing, the film Inherit the Viper follows a dysfunctional family that earns a living in an unusual way. It puts them in danger and against the law, but their need is too big to stop. What makes this crime drama work is the fine cast and the nice direction by Anthony Jerjen who in his first time at the helm shows he’s up for the task. The film has enough energy to keep audiences of the genre anxious to see the next scene as the drama entwines within the family.
With their parents deceased and Josie Conley (Margarita Levieva) running their illegal drugs business they started, her brother Kip (Josh Hartnett) is the front man for her. Working his route regularly he meets with the usual problems, but things are getting a bit more dicey. His teenage brother Boots (Owen Teague) likes the looks of the money his family brings in and looks to help. But, Kip and Josie are totally against Boots working the streets on his own. Working at the saw mill is where Kip makes most of his oxy contacts due to the hard labor involved, but it’s Josie who hangs out at the local bar that does most of the business.
In order to keep his new car running, Boots has been stealing some of the drugs from Josie and selling them on the side. His friend gets a lead on a big sale and Boots goes with him to make the deal. When things go South and the shooting begins, there’s no turning away from the damage it’s going to cause. Director Anthony Jerjen delivers an inside view of this small town family that is basically in survival mode with only themselves to make enough money to survive. He takes his audience into the gritty sales, fending off police and dealing with the problems that face their aggressive teen. He keeps it family first, but as things get out of control, it’s every person for themselves.
c
The acting here is very good with Josh Hartnett leading the actors portraying an oppressed war veteran who has taken on a lot of baggage in the no parents family. His temperament has taken a negative view of how his life has pitted him against society and in opposition of the drug business they now run. I like his depiction of Kip with the seething bad attitude and contempt for anyone who tries to interfere with the business and the lives of his sister and brother.
As Josie, Margarita Levieva takes on the job of matriarch and head of the business she has always been involved with since her father died. Her Josie is sharp and sassy using most of her “client’s” drug dependence to make a quick buck. She’s also desperate and uncaring when the drugs she vends cause problems or even death to the users. Levieva makes the film work and without her there is no film.
Inherit the Viper has been rated R by the MPAA for drug content, violence and pervasive language. Seek this one out if you like a good drama with a lot of angst and attitude. Now in select theaters so please check your local listings for times and locations.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A very good drama. (4 out of 5 Stars)
Additional Film Information:
Cast: Josh Hartnett, Margarita Levieva, Owen Teague, Valorie Curry, Chandler Riggs, Brad William Henke, Tara Buck, Dash Mihok and Bruce Dern
Directed by: Anthony Jerjen
Written by Andrew Crabtree
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
MPAA Rating: R for drug content, violence and pervasive language
Running Time: 1 hr. 30 min.
Opening Date: January 10, 2020
Distributed by: Lionsgate Entertainment
Released in: Theaters, Check local listings in your area
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
