“Shot in Toronto by first-time director Rafal Sokolowski, 22 Chaser stars Brian J. Smith as Ben, an honest tow truck driver trying to make a living by hoisting cars that are illegally parked. Eventually, he realizes he could make much more money as a ‘chaser’, arriving early at accident scenes and recommending repair services and doctors to frazzled motorists. Guess which line of work he chooses?”

“Visually, Sokolowski and cinematographer Cabot McNenly capture a similar vibe, nicely showcasing late night, halogen lit city streets where the air is clear, but morality has taken a nap somewhere in the shadows.”

“22 Chaser emerges as a unique morality tale with a wide range of appropriate cinematic influences, and a perfectly assembled cast of characters and actors acting as a rock-solid anchor.”

“One of the most surprising homegrown efforts of the year. (…) Unpredictable and captivating from start to finish, 22 Chaser might end up being the best Canadian thriller of 2018.”

“Rafal Sokolowski’s feature debut about a financially strapped tow-truck driver who gets into trouble with a loan shark looks great and is fueled by a terrific cast.”

“Making his feature debut after several short films, Sokolowski has a sharp visual style and gets strong performances from an impressive bench of Toronto character actors.”

“The pacing is tight, and cinematographer Cabot McNenly makes the monochromatic locations look vivid and distinct.”

“The plot is incredibly dark with all of kinds of crazy scenarios that really feel like it’s getting worse as it progresses, but the best of everything is always saved for last.”

“Filmed mostly during the night, with a very cool way of being lit up by street lights without looking washed out, the scenery and set up of the shots is very professional.”

“Finely directed by Rafal Sokolowski, and written by Jeremy Boxen, 22 Chaser is a twisted and ominous story with bits of humor here and there. A great film that shows even the nicest simpleton can become a challenge with the right drive, putting his attitude into 2nd gear.”

“A Canadian film that comes off more aggressive than what people consider ‘average’ Canadian.”

“With 22 Chaser, director Rafal Sokolowski gives Toronto a vibrancy and grit usually associated with big American cities. This edgy vision efficiently and stylistically projects the aggressive nature between the film’s competitive characters, who are trying hard to earn their keep.”

“22 Chaser is equal parts family drama and action movie with enough violence and street racing to keep it moving. (…) It feels like the movie Nightcrawler, but with a tow-truck driver instead of a news photographer.”

“Smith and Horn are appealing as the troubled married couple, and the night time street
views of downtown Toronto are a pleasure to watch.”

“And we feel empathy because of the tension Ben feels. We root for him when he’s down, anticipating his rise.”

“I was so looking forward to hating 22 Chaser and its protagonist because of how idealized he is. But it’s Brian J. Smith who played, as he would, the only honest cop in Chicago in Sense8. Smith’s banking on a lot of goodwill from that role. And he embodies Ben’s values so well.”

“Made with the help of the Canadian Film Centre, is the promising feature debut of filmmaker Rafal Sokolowski, following several short films.”

“The film moves at a good pace, and largely eschews filler at a tightly packed 85 minutes. With much of the action unfolding at night, Cabot McNenly’s attractive cinematography gives an almost noir-ish vibe to the film, highlighted by the steely grey skylines of The Six. Furthermore, the performances are solid across the board, and do a good job of keeping us engaged in the story.”