‘John Wick Cracked Out on Meth’ Toronto Midnight Madness Film ‘Kick On’ Director Nick Kozakis Says Real Stunts Sell the Brutality
Kick On, an Australian action‑horror feature directed by Nick Kozakis, opened at the Toronto International Film Festival’s Midnight Madness program. The film follows four friends who become trapped in a mobster’s drug‑laden mansion, leading to a night of escalating violence and betrayal. Kozakis em…
Nick Kozakis’s debut feature, Kick On, made its world premiere in the Toronto International Film Festival’s Midnight Madness lineup, a coveted slot for genre‑focused cinema. The Australian director, known for over a hundred music videos, has brought a frenetic, visceral energy to the screen, insisting on practical effects and real stunts to capture the raw brutality of the story.
Plot and Characters
The film opens with a night of partying that spirals out of control for four friends. They find themselves trapped in the opulent, drug‑soaked home of a dangerous mobster’s son, and must fight to survive amid mounting paranoia, violence, and betrayal. The ensemble cast includes Markella Kavenagh (Eden), Nikolai Nikolaeff (Ray), Jacek Koman, Ras‑Samuel, Nikita Chronis, Kaitlyn Boyé, Julian Weeks, Thom Green, Ngatai, and Eddie Baroo.
Markella Kavenagh, best known as Nori in Amazon’s “The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power,” anchors the story as Eden, a character whose reckless choices drive the narrative. Nikolai Nikolaeff, a former “Energizer Bunny” on set, portrays Ray, a mobster’s son battling inherited violence and a desire to forge his own path.
Realism Over Spectacle
Kozakis described the film’s tone as “John Wick cracked out on meth,” a metaphor for the wired, sweat‑soaked, out‑of‑control energy he sought to deliver. Drawing from his music‑video experience, he focused on character intimacy, building a separate “character pass” of close‑ups into every storyboarded sequence. He refused to sacrifice actors’ reactions and fear for spectacle, insisting on practical stunts wherever possible.
One of the most striking moments on set involved a severed head that was destroyed for a head‑trauma effect. Prosthetics designer Larry Van Duynhoven, who has worked on “Furiosa,” “Mortal Kombat,” and “Bring Her Back,” created an exact head cast of actor Tyrone Ngatai, which the crew destroyed during filming. Kozakis praised the fun of working with practical elements, saying, “It’s just so much more fun to be able to play with the practical elements.”
Character Depth and Themes
Beyond the gore, Kozakis emphasizes humanized storytelling. He cites a pivotal scene where Eden sits with her younger sister, Gracie, in a hospital, then leaves that night because she cannot confront her fear. “It’s a very humanized story and nothing’s ever black and white,” he says. The film explores the idea of chance, with small decisions—whether to end the night early or take one more stop—leading to catastrophic outcomes. Kozakis also examines inherited violence through Ray, who struggles against an overbearing father and a world of chaos.
“Ray’s volatility, not villainy, is what makes him compelling to watch,” Kozakis notes. “His heart is generally in the right place, but his mind is all messed up.” The director’s choice to cast Nikolaeff was intentional, describing him as an “Energizer Bunny” who brings a strong presence to the set.
Production and Future Projects
The shoot ran about 20 days, requiring 1,536 setups—a “psycho amount,” Kozakis said. He previously directed the psychological thriller “Godless: The Eastfield Exorcism,” an experiment born during COVID‑era lockdowns that allowed him to test new ideas before scaling up for “Kick On.”
Looking ahead, Kozakis is developing “Off the Boat,” a comedy with the Sooshi Mango team, funded by Screen Australia and set for theatrical distribution by Village Roadshow. He says the project will explore ethnic comedy rooted in his Greek heritage and personal experiences.
Umbrella Entertainment will handle the film’s Australia‑New Zealand theatrical release, while Blue Finch Films oversees global sales. The movie’s release at TIFF Midnight Madness positions it for international attention, with a focus on realistic violence and character depth that sets it apart from conventional action‑horror fare.
In a genre saturated with CGI and over‑stylized action, Kick On offers a raw, grounded experience that prioritizes practical effects, character complexity, and a relentless pace born from Kozakis’s music‑video background. Its premiere at TIFF marks a significant milestone for the Australian director and signals a fresh approach to contemporary action‑horror cinema.
Why it matters
Kick On showcases a new wave of Australian genre filmmaking that prioritizes practical stunts and character depth, offering audiences a more visceral and emotionally resonant experience than many digitally‑enhanced blockbusters.
Key points
- Kick On opens at TIFF Midnight Madness, a coveted genre slot
- Director Nick Kozakis prioritizes practical stunts and realistic gore
- The film follows four friends trapped in a mobster’s drug‑laden home
- Character depth explores themes of chance, fear, and inherited violence
- Production involved 1,536 setups over 20 days
- Future project: Off the Boat, a Greek‑inspired comedy
Frequently asked questions
What is the premise of Kick On?
Four friends find themselves trapped in a mobster’s drug‑soaked home and must survive a night of escalating violence and betrayal.
How did Nick Kozakis approach the film’s violence?
He used practical stunts and realistic gore, avoiding CGI to create a raw, visceral experience.
Who stars in the film?
Markella Kavenagh (Eden), Nikolai Nikolaeff (Ray), and a supporting ensemble including Jacek Koman and others.
What is the film’s release plan?
Umbrella Entertainment will release it in Australia‑New Zealand, while Blue Finch Films handles global sales.
