Fans of tense thrillers with a thought-provoking theme and realistic, sympathetic main characters to root for are in luck this year, with the release of Hazard, a haunting independent film that examines the effects of an opioid crisis on a small, American mining town and its inhabitants. Hazard is written and directed by Eddie Mensore, a filmmaker originally from West Virginia, who is now based in Los Angeles with a strong background in screenwriting, producing and directing.
The R-rated movie centres on Will, a reluctant drug dealer played by Alex Roe, who fights to protect his family from the ruinous and addictive effects of opioid drugs that have affected the wider community in which he lives and works. It is a moving depiction of the consequences of succumbing to addiction and the devastation it can cause those around the person taking drugs. Hazard was released at the start of the year to great acclaim and is part of Vision Cinema’s summer programme of films shown at outdoor venues around the UK.
Hazard was filmed in Louisville Kentucky, with filming taking just 15 days to complete. It premiered in the same geographical region too, shown in 23 movie theatres throughout Kentucky and West Virginia from January 2025 onwards. Leading actor Alex Roe is British born, but impressed the director with his Kentucky accent. He perfectly portrays the increasingly desperate protagonist, caught between the lure of drug addiction and the need to protect his family, including his father whose body is broken following years of working in the mines. Roe prepared for his challenging role by spending time living at an addiction recovery centre in Harlan, Kentucky prior to the start of filming in 2024.
Co-star Sosie Bacon is the daughter of acting legend, Kevin Bacon. She plays Will’s wife, who works to support him in his fight to release his family from the chokehold that opioids have on the residents of the small, rural town. The couple face almost impossible choices during the film, around loyalty, priorities and working out which fights to tackle first in the face of overwhelming addiction and despair.
While the themes are intense, the film showcases superb acting and gives audiences much food for thoughts while important contemporary themes are examined and explored. The part that pharmaceutical companies play in the destruction of small-town communities such as the one portrayed in Hazard is put firmly in the spotlight, as are unscrupulous doctors writing prescriptions or powerful opioids, seemingly with little regard to their ling-term addictive effects.
Vision Cinema is among the first providers to bring Hazard to UK audiences this summer, with screenings available at Kidbrooke Village, Shoebury East Beach, Tru Gym, Millennium Green, Royal Arsenal Riverside, Hackney Britannia leisure centre, Southend Pier and Alexandra Gate, during June, July, and August. Dates, times, and booking details are available on the Vision Cinema website. Film-goers can enjoy watching the movie under the stars, with inflatable chairs, heated blankets, and noise-cancelling wireless headphones all available to enhance the experience.
There are also several options for food and drink at Vision Cinema venues, completing the movie-goer’s experience. Locations are carefully chosen for their accessibility, including ease of transport and convenient parking. Films are shown across the UK, brining independent films and box office blockbusters alike to movie fans throughout the summer. The 2025 season launches in June, and details of all films, dates, and venues are now available on the Vision Cinema website.
Outdoor cinema brings together the best of entertainment and get-togethers with fresh air, warm summer nights and beautiful venues. It is the perfect way to discover new releases and compelling, through-provoking new works such as Hazard this summer.