Director Richard Bates, Jr.’s latest film pits a Silicon Valley millennial against a baby boomer/former Terminator, in a manner of speaking. More specifically, Tone-Deaf sees Amanda Crew squaring off against Robert Patrick, in what promises to be a clash of cultural and political values, as well as a clash of body parts and blunt objects.

a clash of cultural and political values, in addition to a clash of body parts and blunt objects

The home invasion slasher follows Olive (Crew) as she settles in to a weekend rental in the countryside, owned by Harvey (Patrick). Unfortunately for Olive, Harvey recently snapped. While he seems intent on torturing and murdering Olive, she seems far more focused on his use of stereotypes and cultural appropriation. Cue the eye-rolls and countless ‘get off my lawn’ memes.

Bates previously wrote and directed Trash Fire (Review), one of the standout films of 2016. Fans and critics praised Bates’s film for bringing a powerful message in addition to stunning shock and terror. Tone-Deaf looks to be a very different vehicle, with a heavily satirical subtext about values and sensitivity. We’ll let you know what we think as soon as we get a look at it ourselves!

Tone-Deaf will be released in theaters and On Demand on August 23, 2019.

Plot Synopsis

After losing her job and imploding her latest dysfunctional relationship, Olive (Amanda Crew) flees the city for the weekend, escaping to the countryside for some peace and self-reflection. She rents an ornate country house from an eccentric widower named Harvey (Robert Patrick). Soon two generations collide with terrifying results as Olive awakens Harvey’s homicidal tendencies and is plunged into a blood-soaked fight for her life. More than your average slasher film, Tone-Deaf provides a dark critique of the bizarre cultural and political climate that currently exists.