Ms. 45

This terse revenge fantasy makes no apologies for its astronomical body count and queasy gore. Instead, it focuses on creepy details to drive home its not-so-subtle point about the aggression women face at every turn in the urban jungle. From the mundane horror of a rapist's cellophane mask to the casual leer on a boss' face at work, director Abel Ferrara's camera impassively takes in the myriad predators, actual and potential, who clutter cleverly named heroine Thana's path like so many panhandlers. For her part, star Zoe Tamerlis invests her speechless character with a quiet dignity that slowly evolves into stylish sexual agency; it's as if the only way Thana can become conventionally "hot" is to kill all potential sexual partners. Whether you read the protagonist's transformation from demure worker bee to avenging vixen as S&M window-dressing or feminist irony, it certainly makes for some arresting images. For every expertly choreographed assassination scene, though, Ferrara also adds a handful of throwaway detail shots: spare bullets, bloody irons, broken windows, and streetwalker accessories. The well-cast supporting characters likewise lend nuance to the story -- especially the meddlesome landlady, the imperious fashion plate, and the wise-cracking, tough-talking coworkers who present the film's alternate visions of femininity. Ultimately, despite its small budget and no-frills feel, Ms. 45 presents a self-contained meditation on sex roles that stands up to repeated viewing in a way few pure action films can. ~ Brian J. Dillard, All Movie Guide