Once you resign to the fact that “Detained” doesn't necessarily follow the norms of logical human behavior, you're in for a lighthearted romp through the realms of outlandish escapism. Drawing heavy inspiration from “The Usual Suspects,” to the point of featuring an elusive villain who might be hiding within the party, “Detained” is packed with curveballs, making it hard to dwell on a single twist before the next appears. It's a light-brained film about not-so-brainy characters, but there is undeniable charm in watching these characters navigate and react to the implausible scenarios they are thrown into, until most of them are no longer standing.
Abbie Cornish, a talented actress whose performances continue to be underrated, stars as Rebecca Kamen, who finds herself waking up perhaps in police custody. From the get-go, it's clear that the circumstances in "Detained" are far from straightforward, and an eerie atmosphere permeates the scene, despite it seeming like either a bad film or an overblown ploy. As the plot unfolds, it's revealed early on - without giving too much away - that Rebecca is not in a typical police precinct, and a far more sinister scheme is at play.
After regaining her senses, Rebecca is informed that she might be connected to a hit-and-run that possibly caused a cyclist’s death. Some plot details might strain credibility, such as interrogating a black-out drunk woman about her involvement in a car accident. However, the audience will need to play along. Before these loopholes can be addressed, Rebecca is tossed into a cell with another woman and an older junkie. Troubles escalate quickly from a fight to a gunshot, pushing Rebecca to try to buy her way out of the situation. However, her attempt to bribe those she thinks are law enforcement officers falls apart, revealing this to be a farcical scam masterminded by a character named Avery who might be working for or could be a notorious villain himself.
As a theatre enthusiast, there's something captivating about a thriller that taps into its characters' personality dynamics within a single setting, creating an explosive situation. A vital ingredient for this kind of plot to work is a cast that understands the task at hand, which director/co-writer Felipe Mucci achieves brilliantly here. Laz Alonso, who plays Avery, clearly has a blast, but what really elevates the film is its stellar ensemble that includes Moon Bloodgood, Justin H. Min and others. While low-budget films like "Detained" can often be let down by lackluster casts, this film stands out with its talented ensemble who embrace the theatrical absurdity wholeheartedly.
It's important to note, and laugh alongside, that "Detained" might not make complete sense, with its numerous, dizzying twists and turns. But there's something refreshing about a B-movie that revels in its own genre, outlandish plot, and doesn't take itself too seriously, providing an entertaining, enjoyable experience. While it may not parallel “The Usual Suspects,” “The Usual Idiots” is an amusing ride nonetheless.
