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Family DefenderAre you your sister’s keeper?

Sisterly love…right?

(Top right) Tyrone and Dwayne fighting over an issue within the film. Overall, the film has predictable melodrama in some aspects of the film but it still does not fail to capture the audience’s attention throughout the film. The film offers amazing performances from Bayo Oshitola, Abigail Burland and Judith Boateng although it is hugely clichéd and can be argued that it does not offer anything new to the general urban drama/crime genre. Family Defender is a gripping story filled with action, conflict, family, sibling rivalry and most of all morals which can be understood by all ages. Family Defender will be a film to be remembered.

In the first minute of the film, the audience is left with no choice but to empathise with Keira as she explains her miserable, mournful flashbacks which lead to her big brother’s death as a result of conflict with Kayla’s boyfriend. Her strong performance stands out and it creates sympathy for her as her tears are continuous throughout the telling of her story. The film from start to finish is intriguing due to its naturalistic dialogue and it doesn’t fail to build tension and suspense. The parallel music adds even more of an impact to the theme of death as it creates a dull atmosphere due to the slow tempo and chords.

The film is hugely clichéd in terms of the general aspects of the British urban drama and crime genre however; the convincing, realistic acting of the characters adds realism and enhances the importance of the storyline. Although Family Defender is nothing new to the whole “hood cliché” the effective cast makes up for it. It’s a well written sequence which underlines the idea that brotherly love plays a significant role in the lives of his sisters’ lives despite it seen as negative and overprotective by Keira.

From: Downhill Productions

Release Date: Christmas Day

Director: Abigail Burland

Family Defender directed by Abigail Burland tells the intense story of Tyrone (Bayo Oshitola), a young man who prioritizes the protection of his sisters before anything. He has the responsibility to play the role of the “parent figure” for both his younger sisters Keira and Kayla (Judith Boateng and Abigail Burland) as the parents are no longer around. He faces obstacles and barriers when specifically trying to protect his sister Keira from her dangerous boyfriend, Dwayne due to the fact that she is deeply in love with him and meets him despite his warnings and advice sessions. Her boyfriend is part of the gang life which Keira is aware of but is engulfed with his confidence and protection. Tyrone’s aim is for his sister to get the best respect that they deserve but the way Dwayne is with his sister angers him. Tyrone gains the confidence to face his sister’s boyfriend but things do not go according to plan.