Effective Deterrent: The Ranger (2018)
My dear readers, though my experience with the criminal class is limited to inexpensive paperback novels and the occasional televised reenactment, I often find the allure of their culture to be absolutely irresistible. Though there are many aspects of illicit enterprises that I find intriguing, I am perhaps most fascinated with the idea of a life spent on the “lam,” as the felonious vernacular goes. I understand my uncle Winngate Hauntedhouse lived free for many years despite the insistence of local authorities that he do otherwise. I’m afraid the specific nature of their dispute was a little unclear but I do know that he disappeared into a nearby system of mine-shafts where he cooked up some sort of workable existence that relied heavily on bat flesh and mercury deposits. Though this unique regimen did cost him a substantial portion of hair and a few of his faculties, I still see nothing but romance in his unlawful defiance.
The group does not feature any experienced survivalists
Chelsea (Chloë Levine) and her friends are intimately familiar with the thrills of skirting the law. Aesthetically, the lot of them are very firmly aligned with the “punk rock” movement and Garth (Granit Lahu), Chelsea’s romantic partner, fancies himself a trafficker of prohibited substances. Garth, however, is no master of the underworld and elects to carry about a large stash of drugs when out for a night at the clubs. When this instinct inevitably leads to trouble, Garth makes matters slightly worse by stabbing a police officer and dashing off before reinforcements arrive. But fleeing the scene of the crime does not seem like enough distance and so the gang goes a bit further, fleeing the city altogether and heading out for cabin in the mountains that once belonged to Chelsea’s deceased father.
For most of these rebellious youths, avoiding the consequences of a violent encounter with law enforcement is a bit of a lark and they treat the experience much like a holiday. Chelsea, on the other hand, is noticeably less enthused, partially because she has some deeply unpleasant childhood memories of time spent in the woodlands. This lingering trauma involved a ranger (Jeremy Holm), who is happy to see Chelsea return to the mountain and noticeably less happy about the company she chooses to keep. His dissatisfaction with her social circle becomes quite difficult to ignore when he decides to start executing them as punishment for minor violations of park regulations. All of this seems to stem from a genuine concern for Chelsea’s well being and yet somehow she struggles to see the merits in his approach, ultimately doing her best to halt his homicidal streak.
The ranger finds much satisfaction in his interaction with the public
Aside from his rather serious interest in Chelsea, the nameless ranger also seems to have a refreshing devotion to his duties and a profound respect for the wilderness. While murder is certainly an effective deterrent when it comes to making sure the public does not litter or leave fires unattended, sometimes the right presence can be enough to to whip up a bit of obedience. And if there was ever a man to frighten people into respecting the Department of Parks and Recreation, it is Jeremy Holm. Even without helpful visual aids like cages, bear costumes and partial nudity, I suspect Mr. Holm could talk anyone into a fair number of law-abiding activities. I myself felt a terrifying swell of civic responsibility with every close-up of the man.
Though many may share Chelsea’s attitude regarding the severity of his methods, I imagine few will be able to deny how encouraging it is to see a government employee filling their position so adeptly.
The Ranger runs 77 minutes and does not possess a certified rating in the United States.
