Director Philip Barantini starred in a little-known indie movie called Nightshooters. Now he’s back with his sophomore feature film in the directors’ chair, Accused. The title premiered at 2023’s Overlook Film Festival and taps into most people’s worst fears. In an age where almost everything we do is online, filled with fear-mongering and an incessant desire to “name and shame,” Accused takes a little of that sentiment and hammers it all the way home.

A victim of circumstance, Harri jumps on a train from London to house-sit at his parent’s cottage outside of town. While on the train an alert is sent out. At the station, Harri just boarded, a terrorist attack claims the lives of several people and sends the internet into a flurry of activity.

Harri arrives at his parent’s home and calls his girlfriend Chloe (Lauryn Ajufo) while the news blasts coverage of the search to find out who is responsible for this vicious and callous act. Chloe remarks that the one photo being shared on the television looks a little like Harri (Chaneil Kular.) There is something about the side profile that bears a resemblance despite the suspect’s face being hidden underneath a baseball cap.

One minute, Harri feels joyous relief that he escaped such a dire situation. The next, he realizes that not only does his girlfriend see a similarity, but that other people on the platform at the station think so too. There is more footage. Only this time, it’s two random girls who think they might have been walking ahead of the terrorist. The clip goes viral.

From start to finish, Accused rarely lets you take a breath. The scenario is relatable and it’s easy to imagine being the target of being accused of something you didn’t do. Like a steamroller, the image, footage, and accusation spread its vitriol. As Harri realizes that there are a million pointed fingers directed squarely at him, the film takes a dramatic turn and ramps up the already palpable tension. People are coming for him. Vigilante justice has been spurned into action and it won’t be long before they track him down.

Accused 2023 Review

Vigilante justice isn’t new. But the first-person view of it happening is very much a new idea presented in a no-holds-barred way. Writers Barnaby Boulton and James Cummings’ clear-cut snowball of bad things happening is as much a credit to the film as the overall performances and exposition. Accused 2023 is sure to be picked up soon for wide distribution. In the meantime, distribution is by Falcon Films with Sales by XYZ Films. Keep an eye on Mother of Movies for more information on where to watch. “Accused” was released to streaming and online platforms on September 7th, 2023.

Accused is rated

4 it could happen to you out of 5

Mother of Movies score

If you are waiting to watch this tension-filled horrific tale of vigilante justice gone wrong, the link below has all Accused 2023 streaming options. The title is streaming on Netflix in several countries.

Accused 2023 is streaming on:

When Social Media Goes Viral in All the Wrong Ways

Accused 2023 Review