Terrific performances and astute commentary on loyalty, family, and vengeance highlights Small Engine Repair, a dark comedy thriller that introduces the triple-threat talents of director, writer, and star John Pollono.

Based on Pollono’s play of the same name, Small Engine Repair tells the story of old-school men navigating a new school world that is as alluring as it is dangerous. Set in urban New England, the film focuses on lifelong friends Frank (John Pollono), Swain (Jon Bernthal), and Packie (Shea Whigham). The centre of their world is Frank’s daughter Crystal (Ciara Bravo), who has inspired Frank to live a life of sobriety. She is also college bound, an idea that ever protective papa bear Frank is not too fond of.

After a period of estrangement, Frank invites Swain and Packie for a boy’s-night-in at Frank’s car mechanic garage, only for the night to take a sinister turn when upper middle class college student and drug dealer Chad (Spender House) joins the party.

Like a muscle car firing on all cylinders, Small Engine Repair is a film astounding in craft and performance. Pollono brings assured and innovative direction to his material, telling a story strong in character and place, yet also engaging in how Pollono tackles commentary on the dangers of social media and the helplessness parents can feel when their children are ensnared on the Interweb.

A key strength of the film are its performances, especially the camaraderie between Pollono, Bernthal and Whigham, who play three blue collar men whose loyalty to one another is tested beyond the boundaries of any “bro-code” normalcy.

All three actors excel in their roles: Bernthal brings a surprisingly strong comedic element as a big talking lady’s man who is not beyond a manicure from his sisters; Whigham continues his strong run of 2021 performances in his portrayal of an intelligent yet fragile and sensitive man dwarfed in a world of alpha dogs; and Pollono is a towering presence of physical and psychological intensity that is countered by the love for his daughter.

Much like his play beforehand, Small Engine Repair is a calling card for Pollono as a filmmaker and screen presence. Pollono does a terrific job adapting his work to film, utilising the advantages of the medium to deliver a story as entertaining and it is engrossing.