“Stockade” Offers Taut Thrills

Stockade (Eric McGinty, 2023) 4 out of 5 stars

With Stockade, director Eric McGinty skillfully crafts a thriller reminiscent of taut 1970s cinema. The narrative revolves around Ahlam (Sarah Bitar), a Lebanese painter striving to secure her visa. To make ends meet, she takes on various odd jobs while creating artwork that she hopes will elevate her status in the New York art scene. However, as her financial situation becomes increasingly dire and her visa status remains uncertain, Ahlam reluctantly accepts a job from the enigmatic Paul (Guy de Lancey), who requires her assistance in delivering a package to his home in Kingston. Paul remains unresponsive to phone calls, and then two unfamiliar individuals confront the occupants of the house, insisting on the package’s contents. In an instant, what initially seemed like a straightforward opportunity for quick profit becomes significantly more complicated.

The transition into an antiquities thriller and wild goose chase is somewhat abrupt; however, Ahlam is the perfect protagonist to root for. While the supporting cast may be considered average, Sarah Bitar stands out remarkably. Her commanding presence captivates the audience. Ahlam carries unexpressed trauma and guilt from her departure from Beirut, and Bitar’s intense energy keeps viewers enthralled. For the last 40 years, action-film aficionados have been compiling a list of great action heroines, from Sigourney Weaver’s Ripley to Michelle Yeoh in any martial-arts film, and I can say Bitar’s Ahlam is a strong next contender for this list.

The story is intentionally challenging at times to discern where reality ends and the character’s interpretation of events begins. Bitar delivers a subtle yet emotionally charged performance as Ahlam, providing a compelling contrast to de Lancey’s deceitful Paul in this expertly crafted film, rich in color and texture, reminiscent of Ahlam’s impressionistic, surrealist artworks. Stockade is a terrific sendup of the hair-raising thrillers so common forty years ago, and its lead actress leaves you on the lookout for more of her. 

Patrick Howard

Patrick Howard has been a cinephile since age seven. Alongside 10 years of experience in film analysis and criticism, he is a staunch supporter of all art forms and believes their influence and legacy over human culture is vital. Mr. Howard takes the time to write his own narrative stories when he can.