'Dominique' Reviews: "an absolutely ferocious action movie with stunning plot twists"

        On October 11, 2024, Lionsgate released 'Dominique', which has earned predominantly positive reviews from critics. In the film, "Dominique, a well-trained assassin, flees from her troubled past in an attempt to begin a new life in South America." The ensemble cast includes Oksana Orlan, Maurice Compte, and Chase Coleman. Read the full review round-up below.

       Julian Roman of MovieWeb says, "Oksana Orlan, a statuesque fashion model turned actress, writer, and producer, will kick your ass and break a foot doing it in Dominique, an absolutely ferocious action movie with stunning plot twists. The film initially seems like another mindless and forgettable VOD entry we've seen countless times. That expectation changes dramatically when a razor-sharp first act goes in a truly shocking direction. Every character is fair game once ruthless and sadistic baddies are unleashed. Steel yourself for shock, awe, and heartbreak. There are no sacred cows or boundaries here." Adding, "Director/writer Michael S. Ojeda, who previously worked with Orlan in The Russian Bride, stirs up a second act hornet's nest with a big reveal. Jaws will hit the floor. What transpires is visceral, ugly, and completely reframes the story. Ojeda deserves credit for not being predictable. He baits the audience into a false sense of security, then delivers a narrative wallop that hits like a freight train. Ojeda raises the stakes to the point of no return. Dominique must choose to follow her conscience or allow a bad situation to get worse. That's not an easy thing for someone who's always chosen self-preservation."

       Avi Offer of NYC Movie Guru notes,, "Dominique (Oksana Orlan), a ruthless assassin, hides out with a police chief, Santiago (Maurice Compte), and his family after killing members of the mafia. When the mafia kills Santiago, she sets out for revenge against them while trying to protect his family in Dominique. The screenplay by writer/director Michael S. Ojeda doesn't get any points for originality. Of course, there's a MacGuffin which, in this case, happens to be a laptop with a recording of a mafia killing that would incriminate them if it were to go public. It's essentially a less bonkers version of John Wick set in a jungle with a female lead instead of a male in the lead role. Oksana Orlan commands the screen in an electrifying performance which helps to elevate the film well above its mediocre screenplay. There are a few surprisingly moving moments between her and some of Santiago's family members who she's defending. The action scenes are decent, but nothing exceptional. Fortunately, Ojeda maintains suspense from start to finish and doesn't allow the film to overstay its welcome or become exhausting by keeping the running time under 2 hours. At 1 hours and 34 minutes, Dominique is an explosive, gripping and exhilarating action thriller. It opens at Cinema Village and on VOD via Lionsgate."

Photo by Katie Goertzen on Unsplash