Taylor Sheridan’s ‘Vile’ (2011) Blu-Ray Review: Bound to Make You Squirm

Yellowstone has grown into an international phenomenon with numerous spin-offs, and the flagship show still thriving despite the controversy with star Kevin Costner and his upcoming departure. The show was created by Taylor Sheridan, who was best known for his contributions to film, with credits like Wind River (2017) as a writer and director, and having scripted Sicario (2015) and Hell or High Water (2017). Television seems to be his bread and butter, having created other hit shows like Tulsa King, Mayor of Kingstown, and Special Ops: Lioness. Before becoming this major creative force, he had his start with a little horror film called Vile (2011). It’s an interesting piece that fits neatly in between movies like Saw (2004) and Hostel (2005).

Two couples on their way home from a trip pick up a beautiful woman at a gas station who is looking for a ride back to her car after having run out of gas. After reluctantly taking her back to the car, they’re drug, abducted, and taken to a mysterious home with no way of escaping. When they come to, they find six other strangers in the house, all in the same predicament.

No one knows why they are there until a video plays over the television, explaining it all, and there’s even a way out. It won’t be easy. In fact, they all will have to take themselves to the farthest reaches of the pain thresholds in order to survive. There are alliances and betrayals, and if anyone is to get out alive, they’ll have to come together before time runs out.

It’s hard not to compare Vile to Saw for various reasons. In a way, it’s a clone, but it does offer up a few twists. The torture sequences are tough to watch. While not overly graphic, wonders are done with sound effects and acting. The cast is all good, doing the best they can with their under-written characters with standout performances from April Matson and Maya Hazen.

The script could have used a little work, but it serves its purpose. It was written by Rob Kowsaluk and Eric Beck (who also stars). Beck would go on to collaborate with Sheridan on Yellowstone as a writer. My main issue with the film was that the ending just wasn’t satisfying enough. Despite the lackluster ending, there’s much to appreciate in Vile.

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I know Vile has been available on numerous streaming services over the years, but I’m not so sure about a previous physical release. MVD Visual is bringing the film to both DVD and Blu-ray in a package with very few special features. There are some deleted scenes, a theatrical trailer, and reversible artwork.

Vile, despite its faults, still has quite a bit to offer. If it succeeds at anything, some of the torture sequences are bound to make you squirm, so if that was their mission, they certainly accomplished it.

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