Movie Review: Jail Bait (2014, DVD)

Review By: Rob Sibley

 This is what I'm talking about, this film easily makes it onto my best of list for 2013. I know you are going to see the "Asylum" name and just assume, "Okay, they ripped off Orange Is the New Black". Not the case here, Jailbait is based on a graphic novel and has nothing to do with "Orange". Which was a highly overrated TV show for an audience who wasn't familiar with women in prison flicks.

Jared Cohn directed this, an Asylum regular director of 12/12/12/, Hold Your Breath and Atlantic Rim to name a few. The film stars an up and coming actress Sara Malakul Lane, who is building up an impressive resume of performances. She got her start in the underrated Seagal film shot in Thailand "Belly of the Beast". She also was the star of 12/12/12 in which she gave a solid performance despite all the craziness that so-rounded her.



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t's really Cohn's mature direction and Sara's naturalistic performance that sells this film. This could have easily have been a typical women in prison film. But what we get is what I'd call a classy picture. The film starts off simple enough, some nice aerial photography of L.A. set to some classical music. We are then introduced to Sara's character who, while practicing her music is attacked by her father. He nearly rapes her and what's scary about the scene is it's obvious that this isn't the first time this scum fuck father did this. She finally fights back, she pushes him off of her... but he stumbles, cuts his throat and dies.

Our lead is sent to prison, because her Mom says the father never did anything like that. She is then sent to a woman's penitentiary where she tries to mind her own business. That doesn't work out to well though. She's stomped on, gut punched and it's all very brutal. This isn't some kind of over the top grindhouse wannabe picture. All the violence is realistic and hard hitting and very troubling.

Sara's performance is what makes it, she doesn't utter a word until 3 minutes into the film. Even throughout the film she lets her facial expressions, mannerisms and eyes do the acting. That's the sign of a grade A actress.This film is a straight up drama, a well done one at that. Forget any prejudices you had against the Asylum. This isn't a "Mockbuster". This is a film worthy of a theatrical release.

Back to the plot, our main gal eventually starts getting into the "habits" of the prison.Yes you get an incredibly hot lesbian sex scene which isn't sleazy but realistic. You get the warden who is pond scum and rapes our hero. Eventually she starts smoking a bit of crack, this leads to heroin and that leads to withdrawals.
None of this is done with a smile, this is a mature film. It's not Requiem for a dream depressing. I'd call this the female version of "Animal Factory" the Willem Dafoe, Edward Furlong and Mickey Rourke movie. This shows you what life is like inside for a women out of her depths.

Don't go in expecting topless fights or a million shankings. This isn't a Roger Corman movie. This is a kick ass drama and I will go on the record. This is the finest film (besides King of the Ants) that the Asylum have ever produced. I was brought to tears by the ending credits... let's just say it's hauntingly beautiful.

Also if your a Cohn fan expect to see some familiar faces. Erin O'Brien places a very vicious and manipulative character who's a blast to watch even when she's doing the worst things. Asylum regular Steve Hanks (a nice man in real life) plays one hell of a sleaze ball. We also get "the girl gang". Consisting of Erin, Jennifer Robyn Jacobs (relishing her role),  Cythia Dallas (actress and stunt woman!), Barrett Perlman (Masters of Sex) and Laura Alexandra Ramos. I apologize in leaving any names out. It's a large cast, but luckily the casting director was spot on by making sure each person had their own look so it doesn't become just a bunch of people in orange. Each character has a flaw or a unique look or tattoo that separates them from the rest of the pack. Truly a great ensemble of women. Spin off movies anyone? Charles Angels in Prison? Hell I'd watch that.

This film is nothing short of amazing and I'm not saying this because Cohn is a buddy. I will admit I didn't dig Atlantic Rim, but I did love his other work. This film is his best work yet. Cohn is a young guy and is one of the most talented directors under 30 working. Yes I just said that and I mean that.

Sara Malakul Lane is a revelation. I'm hoping we see much more of her in the future. Her performance is A-list worthy. She doesn't over act, she's a natural beauty (explains why she modeled in Thailand) but she's not your typical model turned actress. She's got some serious acting chops and blows away all the current working Independent film actresses. For someone so young, it's amazing she's capable of giving performances like this. Not many actresses are capable of bringing me to tears with their performances but Sara achieved that... bravo to her. She's astonishing.

Why this film didn't get a theatrical release is beyond me. But I feel this picture will change people's minds about The Asylum. Sure you get clunkers like 13/13/13 now and then. But you also get movies like King Of The Ants, anything directed by Leigh Scott (vintage Asylum) and now anything directed by Cohn. I'm truly excited for what 2014 will bring from The Asylum. I wish Cohn and Sara and everyone involved in this production the best of luck because they are talented. This is pure raw talent folks, these are people who take their work seriously.

This is one of the best films of 2013/2014 and I will stick by that statement. This is a "real" film. It's true, it's pure, it's honest... I applaud everyone involved. The entire cast from Sara to Erin O'Brien give such shockingly realistic heart breaking and downright real performances. All under the assured direction of Cohn. I went in expecting an exploitation film, but what I got was one of the best dramas of 2014.

Jailbait is brought to you via Asylum Home Entertainment on DVD. The DVD features a nice widescreen presentation that pretty much looks like a Blu-ray. The film was shot digitally on a with a 1.78 : 1 aspect ratio which is perfect for enhancing the claustrophobic nature of the film. I was worried the film would look way to clean and it would ruin the gritty atmosphere. So many flicks these days could be gritty but digital isn't easy to make gritty these days. Luckily I assume a few nice post productions tricks were used because we get what looks to be film grain over the footage. Much like the visual look "I Melt With You" which was shot on a 5D then tinkered with. It feels for the most part like 35MM film. It doesn't over-do it with the "grain". This isn't a "grindhouse wanna-be" picture.

The 5.1 audio track is crisp and clean. No static pops and no hissing. It's a solid audio/video presentation overall. Sure, a blu-ray would be great but I wouldn't mind limited released VHS tapes of this film.

Extras are short but sweet. We start off with a surprisingly in depth making of feature. It runs close to nine minutes, but packs in a lot of information. This isn't the typical EPK "Everyone was great!" feature. We get to see the anchors have fun, go through the trials and tribulations of the biz and the crew deep in work. It's a great look into the making of an Independent film. All of the actors are especially excited to be a part of this film. Also you get to see Jared Cohn rock an "epic beard" making me think soon enough we could see him in "Bad Ass 3" with Trejo... not a bad idea.

The gag real is nearly two minutes long and again was surprising. Gag reels are usually unfunny people laughing at unfunny flubs. What we have here is laughter due to the sheer intensity of the material at hand. We also get priceless "oh my bad" moments like this-- 

Obviously this film comes HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, fuck that. Just BUY IT. You can also check out the Graphic Novel that inspired by the film. Haven't peeped it yet myself but I will be checking it out soon. So check Walmart, Amazon... check the fucking moon if you have to. This is a must see film and I don't like endorsing films but this is a gem. A diamond in the barren landscape of good Independent film. You can thank me later. Also if your still on the fence, all the women in the film are outstandingly attractive. Just sayin' folks.