*Shadow Force* is a shot of a powerful action movie mixed with a family issue and a good dose of spies that have sustained a grip on the seat of my pants. The main characters of the story are Kyrah Owens and Issac Sarr who was former elite operatives who are engaged to be on the run as their past catches up with them. Their adventure in a dark world of ambiguous government affairs, the betrayal of one man to another, and murderous attacks is exciting on the one hand and emotional on the other hand. The movie has a brisk pace and action is unending and well choreographed and visually pleasing supported by a mood that something bad is just about to inflict itself.
It was the study of their twisted relationship that stuck with me most, they were once lovers and now fugitives doing whatever they can to keep their family safe. This movie explores its themes of faithfulness, deception, and salvation, and it becomes regretful to see how what they have done in the past resonates until now and will basically ruin everything they cherish. The dynamics with the characters are very interesting particularly when secrets find their way out and loyalties change. The elements of the story that provide depth and stakes in the tale are the supporting characters, people Kyrah is related to and people she knows at the CIA. The screenplay also interweaves scenes of sustained battle with more intimate moments so that the stakes are connected and close to home.
On the visual aspect, *Shadow Force* utilizes smooth camera work and dirty locations to add to its spy atmosphere. The jungles hideout, the city settings and the island settings are all vividly transmitted and it is portrayed with a touch of danger and desolation. The score intensifies the action and emphasizes the emotional scenes, and the editing does not lag anywhere. As much as the plot is sometimes taken out of the same old tropes, the clever writing of the film, well acted, and poignant combination brings the movie above par compared to the other typical spy thrillers. All in all, *Shadow Force* left me with a sense of exhilaration and interest as to the continuance of the characters and I could enjoy the mixture of thrilling action scenes and meaningful family drama.
