Movie Review: ‘Model Behavior’ – Fashion and Murder, A Decent Blend.

Writer, director and producer Nathan Hill’s ‘Model Behaviour‘ is another one from the Aussie filmmaker that steps into the world of crime thrillers giving a nod to some classics from the genre like ‘Basic Instinct’.

In this film, just like the few others from him that I have seen, Nathan Hill stars and plays the role of a detective. This time with the name Jordan Rhodes a persistent detective who huants a serial killer who resides within the fashion and modelling industry.

While the film attempts to weave intrigue within the glitzy yet shadowy fashion industry, it ultimately feels like a familiar ride with few surprises along the way.

The plot kicks off with the brutal murder of a renowned fashion agent, drawing Jordan into an investigation where the stakes grow higher with each new body. Along the way, his professional resolve falters as he becomes romantically entangled with Alexis Clarke (played by Stacey McMahon), a key figure in the fashion scene. As the body count rises, so do the suspicions surrounding Jordan himself, leaving him not only fighting to solve the case but also to clear his name.

As you would expect, Nathan Hill who serves as the writer, director and lead actor brings his signature indie filmmaking style into this film as well. The narrative is straightforward with the dialogue helping you follow and discover all character arcs of all the key characters central to the story. He also leans more into the rules of the genre, trying to show rather than tell and allowing the audience to have their own guessing game trying to solve the mystery as the narrative goes on. He also allows for some wit and humour that makes the film seem less serious than it should be.

The film’s greatest strength lies in its setting. The fashion industry serves as a compelling backdrop, rich with possibilities for intrigue and commentary. From its surface glamour to its underlying exploitation, the industry is a natural breeding ground for the kind of dark secrets that drive a thriller. Unfortunately, ‘Model Behaviour‘ doesn’t fully capitalize on this potential. While the setting is visually engaging, the story often treats it as a superficial backdrop rather than a living, breathing element that shapes the narrative.

Jordan Rhodes, as the film’s protagonist, is competent but underdeveloped. His motivations and backstory are barely explored, leaving him feeling like a stock detective character rather than a fully realized individual. The dynamic between Jordan and his partner, Carla (played by Samira Amira), offers glimpses of deeper emotional stakes, but these moments are fleeting and underutilized. Similarly, his romance with Alexis, while central to the plot, lacks the chemistry and tension needed to make it truly compelling.

Where ‘Model Behaviour‘ falters most is in its storytelling. The film adheres too closely to genre conventions, delivering a narrative that feels predictable and formulaic. The twist ending, meant to be a shocking revelation, falls flat due to insufficient foreshadowing and a lack of emotional buildup. By the time the credits roll, viewers may find themselves wondering where the breadcrumbs were that led to the final reveal.

That’s not to say the film is without its merits. Nathan Hill’s direction is confident, and his ability to create tension in key moments shows his growth as a filmmaker. The cinematography effectively captures the duality of the fashion world, juxtaposing its polished surface with its darker underbelly. Additionally, the film’s score complements the mood, heightening the suspense without overpowering the scenes. The indie gritty look and feel is captured well and also fortunately it doesn’t have sound issues like some of his other films I have seen.

Ultimately, this film is a mixed bag. It’s a step forward for Nathan Hill in terms of crafting a more serious narrative, but it also lacks the originality and boldness that could have elevated it beyond a standard genre piece. For true fans of the genre, this might come with some nostalgic vibe while indie film enthusiasts might admire Hill’s effort to push his creative boundaries. However, for those seeking a fresh take on the crime thriller genre, ‘Model Behaviour‘ might feel like yet another missed opportunity.

I will score it 6/10. At its core, the film serves as a reminder of Hill’s versatility as a filmmaker, even if it doesn’t fully succeed in its ambitions. It is an enjoyable yet somewhat forgettable, thriller that hints at Hill’s potential for greater storytelling depth in the future. It’s worth a watch for fans of the genre or Hill’s previous work, but don’t expect to be blown away entirely.