Jeffrey Goodman’s 2008 film The Last Lullaby is a subtle and riveting tale of betrayal and revenge. Jack Price, a retired hitman, is drawn into a web of deceit when he stumbles upon a kidnap victim at a run-down house in the woods. As a consequence of his actions he appears on the radar of Martin Lennox — a brutal and aloof millionaire in a jam. Drawn out of retirement by Lennox, Price is put on the trail of the beautiful Sarah, but he soon finds there is more to his quarry than first meets the eye. Of course, things turn out to be not at all what they seem, and Price finds himself in hot water with a number of different players in this suspenseful drama.

The oft seen scenario of the helpless victim and duped would-be assassin is given a refreshing treatment in this lean production. Neither a thriller nor an action film, this one is best described as a grim and suspenseful character study that nonetheless features moments of action, mystery, and intrigue. Penned by Max Allan Collins — well-known mystery novelist, author of the graphic novel Road to Perdition, and former writer of the comic strip Dick Tracy — and Peter Biegen, The Last Lullaby will keep even the most jaded video viewer guessing until the end. It effects a mounting tension from its brutal beginning to its suprise conclusion, and even then leaves the viewer wondering what will come next.

Tom Sizemore portrays retired hitman Jack Price with a cold brilliance that assures this performance a place alongside his other celebrated performances. And Sasha Alexander, as the mysterious Sarah, proves that she doesn’t have to be playing a member of naval intelligence to turn in a convincing and effective performance. Bill Smitrovich and Jerry Hardin round out this cast of familiar faces, and Ray McKinnon’s performance (billed only as ‘Ominous Man’) is eerie and memorable. Especially observant reviewers will recognize him from another of his memorable performances in the Coen brother’s film O Brother, Where Art Thou?

The Last Lullaby is well worth your time, and fans of Road to Perdition will especially enjoy it. It was recognized at the Brooklyn International Film Festival and the Cedar Rapids Independent Film Festival, among others. You can visit the filmmaker’s blog to check out other reviews and read about the project. The DVD will be available for purchase through the film’s official website beginning October 19th, and you can save it for future addition to your Netflix queue now.