Toxic Impulses (2022) Poster

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8/10
Trust Nobody...
jae-133718 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This movie has all the makings of a great modern day noir: a morally questionable protagonist; menacing villain; suspicious damsel in distress; exhilarating action sequences; twists and turns all around that keep you guessing! It plays with our expectations of the genre, at a certain point testing our faith and trust in the filmmakers to resolve what we want to see...

The female lead gives an amazing performance that reminds me of a partner in a bad romance or toxic relationship, something I hope not everyone can relate to but if you know, you know! This is one of those instances where you want to see justice served for all characters involved and 'Toxic Impulses' does not disappoint!

Trust Nobody...Especially the Girl Next Door!
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8/10
A Fun Ride
dtittone27 January 2023
"Toxic Impulses" begins with a bang and keeps the viewer intrigued with a compelling plot, dramatic irony, and a great ensemble cast. Director Kyle Schadt has crafted a fun neo noir thriller and succeeds where others have failed. Kyle effectively utilizes voice overs throughout the film, and they work - they do not interfere with the story or the action. In addition, it is clear that Kyle provided clear direction to his cast as they all provide excellent performances. Kudos to Director of Photography Jordan Rennert - the lighting and shots in this film are excellent. Overall, everything works well in this film and it had me guessing until the unexpected climax.
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9/10
A Hardboiled LA Detective Thriller With Lots of Satisfying Twists
nathan-3071513 January 2023
Toxic Impulses is a tight, spare well-paced movie that pays homage to the rich LA private eye genre. It has all the key characters: Mosley (Benedikt Sebastian) a dissolute and world-weary ex-detective, a hardened, cynical killer, Boyd (Robert Akerman Moss) and a doomed Femme Fatale, Zamira (Olivia Buckle) who form a core triangle at the center of the story which swirls around the canyons and alleyways of downtown LA in a spiral of hard drugs, lethal violence, and armed robbery. I liked that director Kyle Schadt, who also wrote and edited it, left just enough room outside the plot for unexpected but welcome digressions in dialogue and action which added dimensionality and depth to the characters, including the supporting players, led by Mosley's jaded but good-hearted neighbor, Liz (Helene Udy), Zamira's stand-up ex James (Jay Habre), and, Keisha (Sara Elizabeth Ryan) a quirky bookseller who doesn't like to read. Watch this movie!
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10/10
A thriller that entertains!
nlight-363126 September 2023
This film was a lot of fun. The acting was solid by everyone across the board. The dynamic among the family worked perfectly. Benedikt Sebastian was the highlight performance for me. The best aspect of the film for me was the music. It was loud, especially during the bank robbery scenes, and made you feel very uneasy, which means the film did it's job for those moments. The cinematography was excellent. The more intense scenes utilized handheld shaky camera footage, which was very effective. I'd love to see what this director can do with a heist film on a bigger budget because he hits all the right cylinders on what makes these types of movies very intense.
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8/10
Trust No One
podozzypro20 October 2023
Toxic Impulses is a neo-noir thriller about a former detective, Mosley, who is visited by a mysterious woman in need of his help. Mosely is hesitant at first, but soon gets sucked into the underbelly of the city where no one can be trusted.

All-in-all, for an indie film, it was well done. The locations are great and it has pretty good production value overall. The theme of neighborly love was a nice touch. However, what was lacking for me most was character motivation. Why did Mosely care enough to get involved? Why was the young woman doing what she was doing? What did she ultimately want? With those questions answered, I think the story could've been much stronger.

Toxic Impulses has a lot of twists and turns. If you like moody neo-noir thrillers then give this one a shot.
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9/10
Moody Neo-Noir thriller
Movies_And_Frights3 April 2023
Reminiscent of the film Drive - TOXIC IMPULSES is a very stylish neo-noir thriller set in Los Angeles. The film is visually stunning, with plenty of saturated cityscape shots and shadowy night scenes. Story wise, it grips you right out of the gate and does a great job on keeping the foot on the gas I enjoyed the use of narration in the film, it gave a true noir vibe without every feeling over the top. With twists you won't see coming and a layered and palpable score, this is a thriller that will get you excited. One scene in particular, involving a bank teller was absolutely gripping and a great example of how to ratchet up tension.
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8/10
Moral lines doing the cha-cha in Toxic Impulses
hildaarani20 January 2024
"Toxic Impulses" is a wild ride where an ex-cop crosses paths with a mysterious chick claiming she's caught up in some blackmail mess. Dude's hesitant at first, but then he dives into an investigation not knowing she's also a bank robber. As time ticks away, he gets sucked into this dark world of lies, crime, and danger. The story's written tight, throwing unexpected twists along the way. If you're on the lookout for a tale drenched in betrayal and moral lines doing the cha-cha, "Toxic Impulses" is your jam. Buckle up, fam, 'cause this one's gonna take you on a rollercoaster of secrets and consequences that you won't see coming.
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9/10
A fun thriller
christopherfrint26 March 2024
This was certainly a unique thriller film, I especially enjoyed the opening credits which seemed like a nice nod to the James Bond opening credits. The actors were did a solid job throughout. I really enjoyed the music especially during the heist scenes. It was great to see the filmmakers do their best to make the most of a small budget for their action sequences, like the freeway car chase, very unique. I also thought the way it was shot was well done, making this feel so expansive. I had a good time overall with it and the ending was definitely memorable and was not something I would have predicted, well done!
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7/10
This indie thriller will keep you guessing to the end!
Onedelorean-114 March 2023
This indie thriller will keep you guessing to the end! The filmmakers did an awesome job! The production values were quite high for a budget indie film. I was also very impressed with how well casted the film was. They were very believable! The story also kept me interested the entire time! Typically these indie films drag or are poorly paced but this one was not. Everything in this film just works.

I especially liked the use of voice overs in the film. I think it helped push the narative without shoving information down your thought.

Definitely worth your time. A big two thumbs up! Recommended!
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9/10
A high end indie
sixtymedia30 December 2022
Well worth a look this one. Beautifully shot and brilliantly performed, it's one of the best indies I have seen for a while.

The film opens with an intriguing scene involving a gangster hunting down a woman and is followed by some beautiful opening credits. The whole thing feels very 'noir like' in the way it's shot, and kudos should go to the camera and lighting depts as they were really given license to excel here.

I also enjoyed the little stylisitc interludes between many of the scenes which added to the atmosphere.

However as with all films with whatever budget a story is needed to keep the viewer interested. The fact that the one and a half hours flew by I think shows that Toxic Impulses has a really good one!
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8/10
Unpredictable Thriller
catheraneskillen9 January 2023
The opening moment set us up for the experience upon which we would be embarking, and I especially liked how the violence was communicated in the very opening moment. The beginning credits were very sophisticated and the accompanying visuals were outstanding with the overall cinematography making the story all the more involving along with some great special effects. There were many unexpected twists, turns, and surprises. The actors were uniformly good and the score enhanced the film. I had a couple of story questions, but if you are looking for an unpredictable noir film, this is your ticket.
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10/10
Great film especially for fans of noir films
bddqxczmk22 March 2024
There is something about the film noir genre than makes people fascinated. Maybe it is the danger or maybe it is becuase of the many twists and turns that permeate these types of stories.

Toxic Impulses is one of the good ones keeping the audiences guessing and always throwing curveballs along the way to stop us from getting complacent.

The heist scenes add a great amount of tension in the film and I believe it works well. A particular hightlight for me is one scene where they are trying to escape a heist in the car. The tension builds slowly and it is things like this which mean that this delightful little indie is worth your time.
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10/10
I thought I knew what was going to happen.
cwells-575-6803478 June 2024
I enjoyed Toxic Impulses because it hits fast and hard with a a really intense opening scene followed with a unique title sequence that really sucks you in. Mosley, a former detective lets his guard down when approached by a beautiful women claiming she is being blackmailed. In terms of script, it's very film noir, with Mosley's voice overs and observations and overall subject matter and at times very direct dialogue.

The film can get gritty at times when needed, especially during the fight scenes going handheld using close ups so you feel you're right there in the action but then can be very slick looking in other scenes.

I think the director knows how to build up tension very well, especially the scenes with Olivia Buckle (Zemira) and Robert Moss (Boyd) who completely threw themselves in their respective roles. Every scene they are in is tense.

I liked it because I at times thought I could guess what's going to happen only to be pleasantly surprised and that's due to a well written script and good direction by Kyle Schadt. It's also why I like indie films because you get to see stories within a unique lens.
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8/10
Great little film!
AKamp7923 February 2024
I watch a lot of indie films and this is right up there with the best of them.

The film follows an ex-cop who agrees to help a mysterious woman who knocks on his door one night, claiming that she is being blackmailed. Looking for something to do, he gets stuck in and begins investigating. We soon learn that this woman is also a bank robber and very quickly we descend into a dangerous criminal underworld.

Writer/Director Kyle Schadt does a great job of keeping the audience guessing with many twists and turns along the way. While it's not as polished as a Hollywood thriller, in terms of its production values, the story is key - and this is a good one!

This film is a step up from Schadt's previous film 'Silent Panic' and I'd love to see what he can do with a bigger budget. Definitely give this a look if you like a good crime thriller!
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7/10
An interesting watch
jeff-3308512 March 2023
I have plenty of great things to say about this film. It was clear to me that the filmmakers made a movie that looked far more expensive than their actual budget.

I absolutely loved Olivia Buckle in this film - she shined in every scene she was in.

Indie films often have two problems - sound quality and poor lighting. Toxic Impulses conquered both of those problems. There was a scene right next to the ocean, and it is NOT easy to get good sound next to water with waves. And the lighting throughout....the gaffer deserves praise for this film.

Give it a watch. It's a fun trip. I enjoyed this one.
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9/10
edge of your seat
jedijimmy10114 August 2023
Toxic Impulses grabs right a hold of you right from the start. It is a fantastic neo-noir thriller. This movie pulled me right in right from the start and kept right a hold of me until the end. This movie is so well shot that it adds another exciting layer to this already incredible movie. The cast is absolutely phenomenal and work so well together, making this story that much more believable. This was such a fun movie to watch. I loved all the unexpected twists and turn that seem to be around every corner. This is a must watch movie if you love noir. So grab your bowl of popcorn and enjoy the show, I know I did.
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8/10
What a gem of a film!
craigahrens22 January 2024
This fun ride of a film grabs you out of the gate and doesn't let go. I enjoyed this gem of a film from beginning to end which is not easy to do. This thriller will suck you in and keep you engaged throughout the ride. The acting, the storyline and how the film was shot were all spot on. I thought all the actors were just terrific! I particularly enjoyed the lead actors. I thought they were really good. They all did a splendid job. Hats off to the cinematographer. This film was well shot which isn't alway's the case for indie films. I clearly give this film a big thumbs up! Also, my wife enjoy it which says a lot!!
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9/10
A wild ride
ath062915 June 2023
If you like a cat and mouse chase thriller then "Toxic Impulses " is for you. Drone the start to end it doesn't let up but keeps you guessing throughout the movie. And great surprise ending too. Not going to spoil it here, you just have to watch. I have seen many Indie movies, and usually they are done very cheap way or acting is bad. "Toxic Impulses " never felt like an indie film, but felt like we'll crafted Hollywood movie. Also you don't see many locations on indie movies but in this movie you'll see many. The action is fun, the acting is superb, the direction and editing is well thought out. Highly recommend it. 9:10.
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8/10
Modern-Day Noir Thriller
SGarrett4961210 February 2024
A low-budget film noir/thriller set in modern-day Los Angeles. Our hero Peter Mosley (Benedikt Sebastian) falls for girl-next-door femme fatale Zemira (the talented Olivia Buckle). Mosley lacks the smarts to grasp that Zemira may be using him. The main plot revolves around a series of high-stakes bank heists that a team is executing. Our girl is caught in the middle of things. Elements of crime, deceit, murder, secret addictions, and the quest for redemption are sprinkled throughout. A lot of bad-guy thugs with guns. The tension/suspense is first-rate. Great music score. It's a stylized thriller where the lead guy isn't too smart -- but that's often a key element in a good noir film.
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9/10
Driving, intense and clever thriller
indysaini6 April 2023
I really enjoyed this gritty and clever indie thriller. Visually seductive with a pulsing heart thumping score, the story grabs you right from the start and doesn't let go. The film offers all the expected neo-noir components, but once set up, the twists and turns keep coming, keeping you guessing right to the end. The cinematography is beautiful, creating the perfect moody tone. Solid performances all around, especially from the Femme Fatale Olivia Buckle, who delivers a nuanced powerful performance, never letting on where her true alliances lie. It's a great intense ride! I highly recommend!
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10/10
Great Indie Gem!
bob_rose16 November 2023
Hey, just caught Toxic Impulses last night. This indie flick is a real hidden gem. I gotta say, Schadt's vision shines through in every frame, proving you don't need a big Hollywood budget to make a compelling thriller. I'm a sucker for a good thriller, and this one had me on the edge of my seat the whole time.

Visually, the film surprised me. The visuals captured the essence of the story beautifully. The soundtrack was top notch as well, really bringing you into a vibe! I also surprisingly appreciated the use of voice over and I usually don't!

Sure, being an indie film, it has its rough edges, but that's part of the charmToxic Impulses is proof that you don't need a big studio backing to create something impactful. If you're into indie films that pack a punch, give Toxic Impulses a shot. It's a refreshing break from the mainstream.
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10/10
A Thrill A Minute
Classicfilmnoir6 March 2023
From the opening bang to the unpredictable climax, Toxic Impulses kept me glued to the film. The ensemble cast deliver compelling and believable performances that keep the plot constantly moving forward. The voice overs, a Noir convention that can be problematic if overused or misplaced, work flawlessly in Toxic Impulses. They provide just enough insight into the characters and plot to keep the film driving forward, without being overused or giving away too much. The cinematography is top notch, with natural lighting that isn't overly stylized or distracting from the plot and characters. Rate this film a 10 and encourage everyone to give it a watch!
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8/10
A predictable genre film.... until it isn't
RBIves-202-72535227 December 2022
Right off the bat you'll find this film has cinematography a few steps above the rest. Every scene is beautifully shot. Lots of great moments where glowing city streetlights far in the background set the tone for this steamy noir/bank heist mashup. It hits all the beats you'd expect from the genre: raspy narration, femme fatale, etc. But here's the twist: most of the reveals you know are inevitably coming bubble to the surface by midway, leaving you guessing where the story could possibly go next. From there the filmmakers are really in the driver's seat, and they are fully aware of the direction you THINK you're headed. Trust me when I say you'll be guessing who is going to make it out of this movie until the very end.

The musical score is also something that should get a shout out. It's tight, unique, and it's clearly been written to lift the big moments. I watch a lot of these low budget movies, and this once is definitely a cut above the rest when it comes to production quality. They really knew where to spend their money and hold on to your attention.
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10/10
A superior Neo noir thriller!
omarproductions-102758 January 2023
Toxic Impulses is a superior neo noir thriller. Top notch writing and direction by Kyle Schadtkeep the viewer captivated from beginning to end. The screenplay was very effective in evoking the frightening family dynamic that exists when one member has gone off the rails and into the world of crime and deception due to drug addiction. The acting is excellent - especially the performance of the lead actress. So are the cinematography, art direction, and musical score. And the graphics accompanying the opening credit sequence were very original - something you don't see often these days. An all around impressive, memorable job.
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8/10
Impressive indie film
annelauremilleville1 October 2023
Very impressive film for an independent movie. Particularly the soundtrack, which blew me away from start to finish with its effectiveness - the music is catchy when it needs to be. The cinematography is also very good, and the editing perfect in my opinion. The acting is also commendable, especially Benedikt Sebastien (Mosley), Olivia Buckle (Zemira), Helene Udy (Liz) and Sara Elizabeth Ryan (Keisha). I confess that the story didn't transcend me, but the technical quality is there. The positive note at the end stands out from the rest of the story, but I think it does a lot of good. Bravo to all the team for this impressive work!
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