Ms .45 Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A mute woman has a really, REALLY bad day and decides to take it out on the entire male population of New York City, one bullet at a time.

🍿 Ms .45: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Thana

Thana is a mute young woman working as a seamstress in New York City’s garment district. She lives a quiet, isolated life, facing daily harassment as she walks to and from work. Her muteness symbolizes her vulnerability and lack of power in a male-dominated society. This sets the stage for the traumatic events that will drastically alter her life.

Double Assault

One day, Thana is brutally raped in an alley on her way home. Traumatized, she returns to her apartment only to be raped again by a burglar. This second assault, however, ends differently. In self-defense, Thana kills the burglar with a household iron. The violent act marks a turning point, triggering a psychological shift in Thana. From a passive victim, she starts a descent into vigilantism.

Disposal and Transformation

Thana dismembers the burglar’s body and disposes of the parts throughout the city, dealing with her trauma in a disturbingly practical way. She also takes his .45 caliber pistol. As she navigates the city, she begins to transform, altering her appearance and becoming more assertive. She’s now on a path of revenge, targeting men she perceives as threats.

Vigilante Spree

Equipped with the .45, Thana begins a killing spree, targeting pimps, gang members, and other men she deems dangerous. Her actions are driven by a distorted sense of justice and a deep-seated rage born from her trauma. The killings escalate, and Thana’s mental state deteriorates, blurring the line between victim and perpetrator.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Thana (Zoë Lund): A mute seamstress who transforms into a vigilante after surviving two brutal rapes in one day.
• Albert (Albert Sinkys): Thana’s sleazy and patronizing boss who invites her to a fateful Halloween party.
• Laurie (Darlene Stuto): Thana’s outspoken co-worker and friend who ultimately attempts to stop Thana’s rampage.
• First Rapist (Abel Ferrara): The masked assailant who initiates Thana’s traumatic ordeal with a violent street attack.
• Mrs. Nasone (Editta Sherman): Thana’s nosy and eccentric landlady who is suspicious of Thana’s activities.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Thana: “Sister…” – Thana’s only word in the movie, uttered in shock and disbelief after being stabbed by Laurie, her co-worker.
• Albert: “It’s Greek to you, Bobby.” – Albert responds sarcastically to the party host’s comment about Thana’s Greek name.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $62,000
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Ms .45 Reviews

Personal Review

This movie messed me up, but in a good way. The way Thana’s trauma just spirals out of control is haunting. The scene where she’s in the bathroom after her first kill, just staring blankly, that really hit me. It’s not just a revenge flick, it’s a descent into madness, fueled by a society that ignores women’s pain. And that ending? Damn. I couldn’t sleep after watching it.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of exploitation films”
  • “Viewers interested in feminist cinema”
  • “Those who appreciate thought-provoking and controversial movies”
  • “Admirers of Abel Ferrara’s directorial style”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Sexual assault”
  • “Disturbing content”
  • “Strong language”

Professional Reviews

• Slant Magazine: “Ferrara’s gritty direction and St. John’s smart writing elevate this movie above most exploitation films produced during the period. Zoë Lund delivers an unearthly beauty and elevates material to another level.
• Variety Film + TV: “A vigilante thriller with feminist leanings, Ms .45 stands out for its unique approach to the rape-revenge subgenre and offers a complex and compelling character study.
• N/A: “Slick, riveting, and totally unmissable, Ms.45 is one of the greats. This a an excellent tale which shows how a meek dressmaker transforms into a lipstick wearing vigiliante, making for a excellent movie.

Audience Reactions

Zoë Lund’s performance is mesmerizing, capturing Thana’s transformation without a single word.: Viewers praise Zoë Lund’s powerful performance and the film’s gritty portrayal of 1980s New York.

The film’s feminist themes and critique of toxic masculinity resonate with modern audiences.: Many appreciate Ms. 45 for its unique take on the exploitation genre and its willingness to tackle difficult subjects.

Overall Consensus: Ms. 45 is a disturbing but compelling vigilante film that stands out for its strong lead performance and its exploration of trauma, revenge, and gender politics.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Zoë Lund was only 17 years old when she played the lead role of Thana, making her performance even more remarkable.”
• “Abel Ferrara makes a cameo appearance in the film as the first rapist.”
• “The film’s low budget of $62,000 contributed to its raw and gritty aesthetic, enhancing the feeling of a decaying New York City.”
• “The film was originally released as ‘Angel of Vengeance’, a title considered by many to be more fitting.”

🖥️ How to Watch Ms .45?

Ms .45 is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play. Check your local listings for availability on streaming services. Some older releases may be available on DVD or Blu-ray.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Ms .45, you might like these similar films:

• Death Wish (1974): Shares the vigilante theme of taking justice into one’s own hands after being failed by the system.
• I Spit on Your Grave (1978): A rape-revenge exploitation film with a similar focus on a woman seeking violent retribution after being sexually assaulted.
• Taxi Driver (1976): Explores the descent into urban madness and violence in a gritty New York setting.
• Repulsion (1965): Like Ms .45, the movie studies the psychological breakdown of a woman in an urban environment.

🛒 Ms .45 Related Products

• Ms .45 [Blu-ray]: Arrow Video Limited Edition Blu-ray featuring a high-definition transfer, rare interviews with Abel Ferrara and behind-the-scenes footage. Includes commentary and essays.
• Abel Ferrara: The Moralist – Ms. 45: Discover a deep dive analysis on director Abel Ferrara with a focus on Ms. 45. This book dissects the film’s themes, historical context, and influence.
• Ms .45 Movie Poster: High-quality reproduction of the original theatrical poster. Perfect for framing and displaying.
• .45 Caliber Replica Gun Model: Detailed replica of the pistol featured in Ms. 45, for display purposes only. Non-firing.

🎧 Soundtrack

Ms .45 features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Ms. 45 Dance Party” – performed by Joe Delia and Artie Kaplan

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Quentin Tarantino on Abel Ferrara

Ever wonder what Tarantino thinks about Abel Ferrara, the director of Ms. 45? This short clip gives you Tarantino’s take on Ferrara’s work – definitely worth a listen if you’re a fan of either filmmaker!

Zoe Tamerlis on Ms. 45

Want to hear straight from Zoe Tamerlis, the star of Ms. 45, about her experience? This short interview gives you a rare glimpse into her thoughts on the film – super insightful!

Josh Olson on MS 45

Curious about a critic’s take on Ms. 45? Josh Olson breaks down why this mini-budget cult classic is a must-see, and his insights are pretty spot-on, in my opinion!

✨ Rate