Jack Fendenssen’s directorial debut Stray Bullets is a great thriller. From start to finish each actor provided great depth to their character. Ash and Connor are sent to clean Ash’s grandfather’s trailer, but upon arrival, they are greeted by two crooks who have taken refuge. The two crooks, who tend to their dying boss, hold the two boys hostage until a plan of escape is made.  Little do the boys know, there may be more to finding two stranger in the trailer.

The film does a great job of introducing who Ash and Conner are. The crooks emerge from a failed getaway job and the urgency of the situation is understood once they notice their boss is severely injured. The lead up to the crook and the boys meeting is well calculated. It never felt rushed. Ash and Connor were two young teen boys that were doing chores for their parents. They never suspected they would be held at gunpoint.

Ash and Connor have a great balanced friendship. Conner is the silent but cool type of guy that bosses Ash around. Ash is the complacent friend that tries to fight back and have his own opinion but ultimately gives into to his friend’s demand. Friendships have to be balanced to understand why each character needs the other and this film did that. We find out throughout the film that Connor spends most of his time at Ash’s house. This indicated that Connor does not like spending time in his own home but prefers Ash’s family.

The relationships between the characters are very strong. The ending makes a great impact when the relationship between Ash’s father and the crook is revealed. Choices were made long again and some took the higher choice while others followed the same path. Ash’s father, although not in the film too long, I believe had the better story. We find out about his past, present, and somewhat future. He left everything behind to build a family and a better life. This sentiment made the film much more interesting. Great first film and great shots as well. I was still left with the question: Do they leave the town or do they just go home?