"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.
37 Reviews
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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!
A Moody Crime Drama and Thrill Ride
debbiinpink27 February 2023
This moody crime drama, which is pretty dark at times, is an edgy thrill ride with great performances all around.
I especially loved the bank robbery sequences which had me on the edge of my seat. I also really loved the musical score which added to the thrilling sequences perfectly. Benedikt Sebastian delivered a stand out performance as did the whole cast. The writer/director/editors voice is clear to see and marks Kyle Schadt as a talent to keep an eye on in the future. Kyle managed to keep a constant tone throughout the whole movie while handling the suspense and action perfectly. Bravo!!
I especially loved the bank robbery sequences which had me on the edge of my seat. I also really loved the musical score which added to the thrilling sequences perfectly. Benedikt Sebastian delivered a stand out performance as did the whole cast. The writer/director/editors voice is clear to see and marks Kyle Schadt as a talent to keep an eye on in the future. Kyle managed to keep a constant tone throughout the whole movie while handling the suspense and action perfectly. Bravo!!
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.
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.
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!!
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.
Choices and Consequences
mettlesetdesigner6 January 2023
An ex-police detective meets a mysterious woman who claims she is being blackmailed and asks for his help. After initially hesitating, he starts investigating, unaware that she is also a bank robber. As time passes, he becomes entangled in a dark world of lies, crime, and danger. TOXIC IMPULSES is an edgy independent thriller with a very film noir feel to it although only a little bit of it is in black and white. Ultimately it is a story about choices and consequences with crime, deceit, murder, secret addictions, and dark quests for redemption. The story is well written with turns I was not expecting. If you are looking for a tale of betrayal and shifting moral lines, Toxic Impulses is right up your alley.
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!
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!
Interesting watch!
adam-3215313 March 2023
Without giving away any spoilers whatsoever... This movie is a roller coaster in terms of what fulfilling expectations. For an indie film, it must be said that there are some seriously high quality shots littered throughout which demonstrate a lot of flare behind the camera. A few technical things could be improved upon such as consistency with the lighting, but it gives this film more of a cult charm to it than something that takes itself too seriously which I loved. Some great acting in there with the more intense scenes too. Overall the story kept my attention and wanting to find out what happens, with a good ending to boot!
Action packed
idealityentertainment3 May 2023
Toxic Impulses is an exhilarating thrill ride from start to finish. There literally isn't a dull moment. The sound was epic, and lighting superb. I can't say enough about the cinematography it was outstanding. The writing was exemplary i was amazed. You will genuinely enjoy this film. It was fresh and it was very entertaining. I literally was taking mental notes as an aspiring filmmaker. I could clearly see that this wasn't the producers first rodeo as he mastered every department. Kyle Schadt has to be commendended. He is an allstar of a filmmaker am is so talented. I hope to see more of his films in the years to come.
edge of your seat suspense
mich1elle18 February 2023
Toxic Impulses is a fantastic neo-noir thriller. Kyle Schadt does an amazing job at grabbing your attention right from the start and does not let go. The cinematography and music intertwine and tell a heart stopping story. The story is well written and flows nicely. The actors gave a great believable performance. I was on the edge of my seat from start to finish. The lighting in this movie really enhances the story. So if you are looking for a fast paced thrilling movie, this is it. I highly recommend Toxic Impulses. It is a big two thumbs up from me on this one. So grab your popcorn, kick back and enjoy the ride.
Excellent indie thriller
thesnarkascending26 May 2023
My hat is off to the team behind Toxic Impulses for their excellent work on this film. "Toxic Impulses" is well written and cast, beautifully shot and skillfully edited. Director Kyle Schadt has done a great job of creating a noir ambiance. The actors all turn in excellent performances as well. In addition, it is so nice to see that an indie thriller can be made on a budget and this should serve as an excellent guide to indie filmmakers who want to do the same. Kudos to the team for making a great product and keeping their audience on their toes into the bargain. Definitely recommend this film.
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.
Toxic Impulses
Extra-Artsy5 May 2023
Toxic Impulses is a story about choices and consequences with crime, deceit, murder, secret addictions, and dark quests for redemption all mixed into one bag and man, is it a full bag! There are a lot of different things going on in this story and if you blink you will miss it. It is well paced and keeps the viewer hooked right from the start. The voice overs were a nice touch as they helped to push the narrative without dumbing everything down. I just hate it when a movie goes to great lengths to explain something because they are afraid the audience won't get it. If you are looking for something to watch that is full of dark and dangerous thriller on the contemporary side then Toxic Impulses is right up your alley. I give it two thumbs up.
cool ride!
travisgrenke15 March 2023
Just finished the movie!
You'll be taken on a wild cool and adventurous ride on this one!
The acting and performances of the lead actors were all solid. I didn't know who to trust nor what to think would happen next in this movie. Many cool scenes and great cinematic score that absolutely went well with the pace and emotional impact moments of the scenes and story line. Some really creative shots and acting that all came together very nicely.
I love adventure and a good suspenseful story line. This movie gave me both in a highly dramatic way!
I'll be looking for the actors in other movies.
You'll be taken on a wild cool and adventurous ride on this one!
The acting and performances of the lead actors were all solid. I didn't know who to trust nor what to think would happen next in this movie. Many cool scenes and great cinematic score that absolutely went well with the pace and emotional impact moments of the scenes and story line. Some really creative shots and acting that all came together very nicely.
I love adventure and a good suspenseful story line. This movie gave me both in a highly dramatic way!
I'll be looking for the actors in other movies.
Contemporary Throwback Thriller
jerrymcgrathart27 February 2023
Toxic Impulses is a contemporary, dark and dangerous thriller. From the surprising opening credits, reminiscent of late 50's and 60's, haven't seen this throwback homage used before, great way to start this noir feature. Throughout this indie the story offers one twist after another, certainly what you expect to happen doesn't!
The leading characters are nicely flawed, still can't diagnose co-protagonist Zamira (actress Olivia Buckle), sometimes she seems psychotic, sometimes compulsive liar, always an addict-some great character dimension.
My favorite part was when Zamira went/had to see her daughter, excellent interactions with her former spouse, she seems to have a very surprising moment of clarity, knowing that her ex is by leaps and bounds the best parent for her child-she was able to ward off her Toxic Impulse in that scene.
The curious and kind neighbor was another highlight for me, a woman of age with depth and sincerity-decent to the core.
The film is beautifully shot, hope you to enjoy this one! JM.
The leading characters are nicely flawed, still can't diagnose co-protagonist Zamira (actress Olivia Buckle), sometimes she seems psychotic, sometimes compulsive liar, always an addict-some great character dimension.
My favorite part was when Zamira went/had to see her daughter, excellent interactions with her former spouse, she seems to have a very surprising moment of clarity, knowing that her ex is by leaps and bounds the best parent for her child-she was able to ward off her Toxic Impulse in that scene.
The curious and kind neighbor was another highlight for me, a woman of age with depth and sincerity-decent to the core.
The film is beautifully shot, hope you to enjoy this one! JM.
Really Really Solid!
sowden_jd31 December 2022
OK. You know when there is a James Bond Esq opening that you are in good hands! I have to say form the opening scene (I love a good punch in the face) through the awesome opening credits, the film does not let you down. There was a real "down to earth" feel about it. I thought the acting suited the story and I wont give anything away, but I really thought the plot worked. Also the shots, WOW. Some of the shots look beautiful and the aerial establishing are always a crowd pleaser. I was throughly impressed with the cinematography! If you are looking for a fun thriller for a weekend watch, check this out!
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