The Ravine

Movie Trailer

Release Date
May 7, 2021

Genre
Drama, Crime, Mystery

Cast & Crew

• Eric Dane as Mitch Bianci
• Teri Polo as Carolyn Bianci
• Peter Facinelli as Tony
• Leslie Uggams as Joanna
• Byron Mann as Detective Ben Lee
• Kyle Lowder as Danny Turner

Director
Keoni Waxman

Other Movies Director is Known For

• The Hard Way (2019)
• A Dangerous Man (2009)
• Force of Execution (2013)

Producer
Robert Pascuzzi
Kelly Pascuzzi
Keoni Waxman

Writer
Keoni Waxman
Robert Pascuzzi
Kelly Pascuzzi

Budget
N/A (Independent Film)

Production Company
Hope Messenger Media
Sweet Unknown Studios

Running Time
121 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong thematic elements (suicide, murder)
• Violence
• Language

Movie Story
“The Ravine” is a dramatic crime mystery that delves into the tragic and harrowing events surrounding a horrific crime in a small, tight-knit community. The film is inspired by true events and explores themes of faith, forgiveness, and the search for answers in the face of unspeakable tragedy.

The story centers on Mitch Bianci (Eric Dane) and his wife Carolyn (Teri Polo), who are shocked and devastated when their close friend Danny Turner (Kyle Lowder) commits an unthinkable crime, taking the lives of his wife and son before ending his own. The shocking event leaves the community reeling and searching for answers, as no one can comprehend why Danny, a seemingly loving father and husband, would commit such a heinous act.

Mitch and Carolyn, along with their friend Tony (Peter Facinelli), struggle to make sense of the tragedy and grapple with their own feelings of guilt, anger, and grief. The film follows their journey as they seek to understand what drove Danny to such a dark place and whether there were signs they missed that could have prevented the tragedy. As they uncover more about Danny’s life and the secrets he kept hidden, they are forced to confront their own beliefs about faith, forgiveness, and the complexities of the human soul.

“The Ravine” is a deeply emotional and thought-provoking film that examines the ripple effects of trauma and the ways in which people cope with loss and tragedy. The narrative is anchored by strong performances, particularly from Eric Dane and Teri Polo, who portray a couple struggling to reconcile their love for their friend with the horror of his actions. The film also explores the role of faith in the healing process, as the characters grapple with questions of morality, redemption, and the possibility of forgiveness in the wake of overwhelming grief.

The film’s tone is somber and reflective, with moments of intense drama interspersed with quieter, introspective scenes that allow the characters—and the audience—to process the emotional weight of the story. The mystery surrounding Danny’s actions unfolds gradually, keeping viewers engaged as they piece together the clues leading up to the tragic event.

Special Effects
“The Ravine” relies on its strong performances and emotional storytelling rather than special effects. The film’s visual style is grounded and realistic, with the cinematography emphasizing the somber and reflective mood of the narrative.

Box Office Performance
As an independent film, “The Ravine” had a limited theatrical release and found its primary audience through digital and on-demand platforms. The film received mixed reviews, with praise for its performances and exploration of heavy themes, though some critics found the pacing slow and the narrative occasionally heavy-handed.

Filming Locations

• New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Notable Quotes

• “Sometimes, the darkest paths lead to the brightest places.” – Mitch Bianci
• “How do you forgive the unforgivable?” – Carolyn Bianci
• “Faith isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about trusting in the journey.” – Joanna

Behind-the-Scenes

• The film is based on the novel “The Ravine” by Robert Pascuzzi, who co-wrote the screenplay and produced the film. The story is inspired by real events, adding a layer of authenticity to the film’s exploration of grief and forgiveness.
• Director Keoni Waxman is known for his work in action films, but “The Ravine” represents a departure into more dramatic and introspective territory.

Awards

• None

Final Verdict
“The Ravine” is a haunting and reflective crime drama that explores the impact of a tragic event on a close-knit community. With strong performances and a focus on themes of faith, forgiveness, and the complexities of human nature, the film offers a thought-provoking exploration of grief and redemption. While its pacing may be slow for some viewers, the emotional depth and intensity of the story make it a compelling watch for those interested in character-driven dramas.

IMDb Rating
5.1/10