Gregory Gonzalez’s short crime film, ‘Business is Business’, serves up a potent cocktail of betrayal and revenge, all served in a stylishly grim noir. Centered on the vicious power struggle between the ruthless Marcus (David Millan) and his disillusioned accomplices, the film pulses with raw energy and dark intrigue. Dhruv Balaji delivers a compelling portrayal of Henry, a man who finds himself shortchanged and deeply betrayed, while Trel Campbell’s Jake is the seething agent of retribution.
The black-and-white cinematography lends a classic edge that beautifully complements the film’s thematic undertones. It’s a nod to the noir tradition, casting long shadows of deceit and desolation over the narrative. The visual style does well to evoke a sense of grim inevitability, but the production quality shows its budgetary constraints. The sound design is serviceable, though it lacks the punch needed to heighten the tension, and the editing could be tighter to sharpen the impact of crucial moments.
Marcus, despite being a charismatic yet narcissistic villain, appears too briefly to fully exploit his menacing potential. His role, while pivotal, feels underdeveloped, missing the chance to cast a longer shadow over the story. Nonetheless, his presence is a standout in a film rich with dialogue and character-driven drama.
For a low-budget production, ‘Business is Business’ stands as a credit to the strength of narrative and performance, demonstrating that even limited resources can produce a gripping tale of greed and vengeance.
