🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: E.B. Hughes
- Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller, Crime, Indie
- Release year: 2016
- Runtime (length): 1h 30min
- IMDb rating: 6.9/10 (17k votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Guy tries to drown himself, calls an old buddy who’s now an optician to come pick him up, and then they go to a strip club where things get *slightly* more complicated… and murdery.
🍿 Turnabout: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Suicide Attempt and Reunion
The film opens with Billy Cain surviving a suicide attempt. Desperate, he reaches out to Perry Hayes, an old friend from high school whom he hasn’t seen in fifteen years. Perry, now a seemingly stable family man working as an optician, is surprised but agrees to help Billy in the middle of the night.

A Night of Temptation
As Perry tries to help Billy, the night spirals into a series of questionable choices. They stop at a diner, then a strip club where Billy’s behavior becomes increasingly erratic. Perry seems conflicted, torn between his old friend and his responsibilities at home. The dynamic between the two men becomes tense, hinting at unresolved issues from their past.

Motel and Betrayal
The night culminates in a motel room, where they are joined by two strippers. Perry is drugged and taken advantage of, leading to a devastating turn of events. The film explores themes of guilt, betrayal, and the destructive power of past choices that haunt the present.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Billy Cain (George Katt): A troubled and dissolute man who survives a suicide attempt and seeks help from an old friend, setting off a tragic chain of events.
- Perry Hayes (Waylon Payne): An optician and seemingly happy family man who is called upon to rescue his long-lost friend Billy in the middle of the night.
- Leo (Peter Greene): A presumably creepy and dangerous character involved in the unfolding tragedy.
- Candy (Sayra Player): A stripper at the club who becomes involved in Perry and Billy’s fateful night.
- Sherri (Rosebud Baker): A stripper at the club.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Perry Hayes: ““I can’t believe you. You haven’t seen or heard from this guy in ages, and he calls out of the blue and you’re off to his rescue?”” – Perry’s wife expresses her disbelief and confusion when he decides to help his old friend Billy in the middle of the night.
- Billy Cain: “(Implied: manipulation and guilt-tripping)” – Billy convinces Perry to stay out with him, despite Perry’s initial reluctance, by making him feel guilty about his situation.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: N/A
💥 Turnabout Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I watched ‘Turnabout’ last night, and it’s one of those movies that sticks with you. The vibe is just…gritty. When Billy (George Katt) makes that call, you can feel the desperation. The strip club scene felt way too real. Overall, I enjoyed it, but it’s definitely not a feel-good movie.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of indie crime thrillers”
- “Viewers interested in character-driven stories”
- “Those who appreciate film noir aesthetics”
- “People looking for movies with unexpected twists”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Suicide attempt”
- “Drug use”
- “Violence”
- “Mature themes”
- “Sexual content”
- “Strong language”
Professional Reviews
- Horror News: “A slow-burn noir, Turnabout captivates with stunning photography and nuanced performances. The lack of soundtrack enhances the realism, immersing viewers in a world where choices have dire consequences. A hidden gem.
- Indie Film Review: “While the performances, particularly from George Katt and Waylon Payne, are commendable, the predictable plot struggles to fully engage. The film’s visuals are impressive for its budget, but the script ultimately fails to deliver a lasting impact.
Audience Reactions
The unexpected twist ending left viewers shocked and discussing the film long after it ended.: The intense performances of the lead actors, especially George Katt, and the film’s noir atmosphere were widely praised.
The slow burn pacing keeps you guessing, adding to the film’s suspenseful atmosphere.: Many enjoyed the realism and the authentic portrayal of flawed characters making questionable decisions.
Overall Consensus: A low-budget indie noir with strong performances and a twisty plot, though some find the pacing slow and the plot predictable.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film was shot on location in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, lending a gritty realism to the story.”
- “Director E.B. Hughes aimed for a slow-burn, film noir style, focusing on character development and suspense rather than overt action.”
- “The limited soundtrack was a deliberate choice to enhance the realism and tension of the narrative.”
- “George Katt’s performance as Billy Cain was praised for its nuance and emotional depth, despite the character’s flaws.”
🖥️ How to Watch Turnabout?
As an independent film, ‘Turnabout’ availability might vary. Check streaming services like Tubi or Plex, which often feature indie titles. To purchase or rent, look for digital downloads on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, or Amazon Prime Video. Availability may depend on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Turnabout, you might like these similar films:
- Blood Simple (1984): A low-budget neo-noir crime thriller with complex characters and unexpected plot twists.
- Night Moves (1975): Share a sense of lingering dread, complex character relationships and a morally ambiguous landscape.
- One False Move (1992): Thematic noir thriller. A crime gone wrong forces the protagonists to make increasingly desperate choices that lead to violence and betrayal
🛒 Turnabout Related Products
- Film Noir: The Dark Side of Hollywood VI (Blu-ray): Expand your viewing with this collection of other films that set the mood of a classic film noir.
- Private Investigator Starter Kit: Comes complete with fake moustache, fedora, magnifying glass and trench coat! Everything you need to solve a crime!
- 100 Mystery Short Stories: Dive into a collection of classic mystery short stories. Perfect for fans of suspense!
- Turnabout Movie Poster: High-quality print of the official movie poster.
🎧 Soundtrack
Turnabout features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The film follows a man who survives a suicide attempt and seeks help from an old friend. Their night journey takes a dark turn, leading to betrayal and tragic consequences.
If you enjoy slow-burn crime thrillers with a focus on character and atmosphere, ‘Turnabout’ may be worth watching. Reviews vary, but many praise the performances and cinematography.
The film stars George Katt as Billy Cain and Waylon Payne as Perry Hayes. Peter Greene also appears in a supporting role.
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This animation is hilarious! Phoenix’s methods might be unorthodox, but hey, they work…sometimes. You HAVE to see Edgeworth’s reaction; it’s priceless.
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Thinking about checking out the Ace Attorney anime? Hold up! This video dives into why it falls short, and it makes some really good points that might surprise you.
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