The Way Out (2023) is a Sexy and Suspenseful Erotic Thriller for the Gays

Originally published June 20, 2023

Title: The Way Out

First Non-Festival Release: February 10, 2023 (Digital/Streaming Platforms)

Director: Barry Jay

Writer: Barry Jay

Runtime: 94 Minutes

Starring: Jonny Beauchamp, Mike Manning, Sherri Shepherd, Ashleigh Murray

Where to Watch: Check out where to find it here

For those struggling with substance use disorder, the road to recovery is plagued with obstacles. Some are obvious while others present more unexpectedly. Regardless, this journey is one rife with emotional confrontations in oneself and others.

Alex (Jonny Beauchamp) is in the process of confronting his father for his childhood when he discovers his lifeless body. While he settles the estate and works with a Detective to catch the person who did it, he decides to rent the place out to make some extra money and avoid selling it. In comes Shane (Mike Manning), a devilishly handsome fitness trainer who quickly ingratiates himself into Alex’s life with deadly consequences.

Gay erotic horror thriller The Way Out packs a mean punch despite modest budget and familiar story.

From the beginning, The Way Out presents itself as a character driven horror drama that morphs as its story makes out its central thesis. As the mystery unfurls, it isn’t difficult to see where the film is heading. Both leads are clearly dealing with internal issues that drive their seemingly erratic behaviors. Alex’s pain is more visible, and the audience is more privy to it as we see him wear his heart on his sleeve. Shane’s scars are more hidden thanks to his confident veneer and apparent hold over his own life. In fact, his desire to “help” Alex stems from the very issues he refuses to face.

[SPOILER]

The lasting effects of sexual abuse and the different ways it manifests itself in individuals is center stage in The Way Out. Alex and Shane represent two separate but not fully opposite ends on the spectrum of handling their childhood trauma. While Alex struggles with making decisions, copes with alcohol abuse, and passively lets his life go by, Shane leans into the cycle of abuse by enacting violence against those he deems worthy of it. Shane finds power in killing predators and hopes to instill that same spirit in Alex, who mostly refuses.

The Way Out offers a rather optimistic approach to the end for Alex as he finally secures healthier coping mechanisms. Shane, however, is finding ways to continue his destructive quest for vigilante justice. While it doesn’t fully repudiate his actions, it is nice to see that The Way Out doesn’t gloss over the harmful approach to healing, and instead shows what Shane’s future will be if he continues: full of never-ending violence that will never fill the hole in his heart.

[/SPOILER]

Strong performances make up for the meager production values. Very capable leads in Jonny Beauchamp and Mike Manning allow The Way Out to dive deep into its story. Beauchamp imbues a certain vulnerability that is captivating yet affecting. He ensures that Alex’s growth is not only one we can see from the words and action but in his behaviors. His rage, pain, and conflict shows, and Beauchamp should be commended for such a raw performance. Manning, however, has a dynamic magnetism that allows him to glide through his interactions in the exact breezy manner his killer character would. Balancing between the brute force and the underlying fury, Manning gives Shane an element of humanity that could be stripped from him in a less capable performer. The rest of the cast does a fine job relative to their role in the film.

It’s easy to hurl barbs at an indie film for things largely outside of its control. There are a few aspects, however, to the script of The Way Out that hinder it from fully making it a surefire hit. Despite its social commentary, the characterization outside of it falls flat with several of the side characters who are disproportionately shafted in terms of screentime. Additionally, the script gets rough sometimes. A few choice lines stand out as particular low points of the film. They don’t hamper the enjoyment of The Way Out but prevent it from being the knockout it could be.

Expectations should remain appropriate, but The Way Out is a fun little romp into queer erotic thrillers that is a welcome change from the state of the subgenre years ago. Strong performances and choice directorial decisions save The Way Out from its flimsy script. Besides starting important conversations surrounding mental health, The Way Out offers its gay audiences a chance to have silly little films made with them in mind, which is healing in of itself after so many years of scrambling for scraps.

Overall Score? 6/10