'Hazard' Reviews: "a well-intentioned picture, bolstered by two very strong central performances"

     On January 10, 2025, Emphatic Films released 'Hazard', which has earned predominantly positive reviews from critics. In the film, "Will, a reluctant drug dealer played by Alex Roe, fights to shield his family from the same devastating addiction that has ravaged their community. Despite his efforts, every choice threatens to pull him and his loved ones deeper into chaos. Co-starring Sosie Bacon, HAZARD is a powerful portrayal of resilience and sacrifice, as Will must decide whether to succumb to the addiction he despises or rise above it to save his family." but what did the critics say?

Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash

   Mike McGranaghan of Aisle Seat says, "The specifics of the plot will be recognizable to any viewer who has ever seen an addiction movie. At times, it’s poignant, as when Will’s father, screaming in agonizing pain, begs his son for drugs. Other times, it’s a bit manufactured, as in the scene showing a doctor who sits in a downtown store front, writing bogus prescriptions for the paying addicts lined up on the street. The best moments are the ones between Will and Sara, as they try to figure out their relationship amid two different states of sobriety. In fact, the performances are the main reason to see Hazard. Alex Roe authentically captures the distracted energy of an opioid addict who can only focus on anything for a certain amount of time before a craving for the drug hits. The actor also makes Will a fully fleshed-out character we care about, as opposed to the one-dimensional scumbag he could have come off as. Sosie Bacon brings a wounded quality to Sara, showing how she’s stared into the abyss and fears her husband will inadvertently drag her right back to it. Together, the stars create a portrait of addiction and codependency that’s heartbreaking. Hazard absolutely gets you thinking about the toll opioids take on a community, especially one that’s already dealing with economic despair. It’s a well-intentioned picture, bolstered by two very strong central performances." 

   Richard Propes of TheIndependentCritic.com notes, "In some ways, you can likely predict the story that's going to unfold, though Mensore does take some unique angles along the way. Truthfully, I doubt I'd be recommending it if not for the strong chemistry and relationship between Will and Sara. It's a relationship brought powerfully to life by Roe, who is absolutely riveting here, and Bacon, one of the younger Bacons who is rapidly proving her acting chops. Individually, they're both fantastic here and the screen really lights up when they're together. I suppose "lights up" isn't the best way to put it. Hazard isn't the easiest film to watch, however, Mensore has captured a vivid and realistic portrayal of addiction and its impact on rural life. Lensing by Matthew Boyd impresses throughout the film's 88-minute running time and original music by Mauricio Yazigi amplifies the film's emotional rhythms without ever feeling manipulative. While Hazard occasionally crosses the line into cliche', Mensore has created characters we care about brought to life by a leading duo that's always worth watching. Yes, you've probably seen this story before but it's a timely and vital one and it's easily worth it to watch Alex Rose and Sosie Bacon bring it all to life so powerfully."