Small Engine Repair (2021)

Based on the play of the same name, Small Engine Repair (2021) is one of those hyper masculine tales about macho men circling the wagons to protect a young woman. Lifelong friends and small time hoods Terrance (Jon Bernthal), Packie (Shea Whigham), and Frank (John Pollono, who also wrote and directed the film) work together at a garage and have all had a hand in raising Frank's twenty-something daughter Crystal (Ciara Bravo). One Christmas, the four of them go out drinking and Frank's temper gets the best of him, leading him to nearly beat a man to death in front of his daughter, and causing the three men to decide to go their separate ways lest their own self destructive tendencies begin to rub off on Crystal. Three months later, Frank reassembles the old gang for what he claims is a reconciliation, a night of drinking and hashing out their issues, but the arrival of a young college student and drug dealer named Chad (Spencer House)—whom Frank has employed in Terrance and Packie's absence—finally brings Frank's true intentions to the forefront and none of them will ever be the same again when the night is over. This macho revenge tale is sure to turn off a lot of audience members, particularly once the film's turn is revealed, but it's also bound to provoke a lot of discussion. In terms of nudity, we do get a look at both Jon Bernthal and Shea Whigham's bare buns as the three men all take a leak together outside, but that's about the extent of the sexy good times in this harrowing flick!