B.R.I Review (3.5/10): A Budget Ex-Soldier Revenge Romp

This B.R.I review looks at a small British action film with a big, pulpy idea: broken veterans rebuilt as agents of vengeance. Directed by Roman Elpidio and released digitally in January 2025, it runs a lean 91 minutes. It is a modest production, and it plays like one.

B.R.I Review: The Story So Far (No Spoilers)

The B.R.I plot starts with a cruel premise. Homeless ex-soldiers from around the world are snatched off the streets and shipped to London, where a mad scientist has plans for them. He wants to repair and restore these men, then send them out on dangerous missions to take revenge on corruption around the world.

The film's tagline, "Vengeance against corruption," sums up the pitch. The story follows the scientist's recruits as they face the choice between serving his agenda and finding their own way. The film is also listed as Elite Force: B.R.I. - Body Recovery Immunisation, which tells you plenty about its B-movie spirit.

If you want the basics, the film is an action movie with a touch of sci-fi pulp. It is the kind of story that has been told before, most famously in films about reanimated soldiers. For more in the same vein, browse our action movie reviews.

What Works in B.R.I

The central idea is easy to grasp and has a certain trashy appeal. Giving forgotten veterans a second life, however twisted, is a hook that gives the film a clear direction from the opening minutes.

The short runtime also helps. At 91 minutes, the film does not overstay its welcome, and it keeps its focus on the mission rather than padding the plot.

There is also something likeable about the effort on show. One reviewer at Nerdly called it a decent, no-frills action film and noted that cast and crew often took on several roles. That scrappy, do-it-yourself energy is the film's best quality.

B.R.I Cast and Performances

The B.R.I cast is led by Danny Darren as Kawa, with David Cheung as Fei and Jadey Duffield as Jesse. Crispian Belfrage plays Dr. Marco, the scientist at the centre of the plot. Rodrigo Rodrigues (Luco) and Ritchi Edwards (Charlie) round out the main players.

The ensemble has a team feel, which suits a story about strangers thrown together. Darren, Duffield and Elpidio are also credited as writers on some listings, so this is clearly a passion project for the group.

Belfrage has the showiest role as the mad scientist, and the part invites big, theatrical choices. As with many low-budget action films, the performances vary in polish, and the material rarely gives the actors much room to dig deeper.

Where B.R.I Stumbles

Budget is the obvious limit. One Letterboxd reviewer called it a budget version of Universal Soldier, and the comparison is fair: the concept is familiar, and the film cannot match the scale or spectacle of bigger genre pictures.

Critical reception is weak. Nerdly gave it 2.5 out of 5, while another review scored it just 1 out of 10. The TMDB audience score sits at 4.7 out of 10, though from only six votes, so treat it as a rough guide at best.

No aggregate score from Rotten Tomatoes or Metacritic could be verified, so there is little broader consensus to lean on. If you want something bigger and louder, our adventure movie reviews may point you to a better fit.

Is B.R.I Worth Watching?

Only if you are a die-hard fan of low-budget action. The film has a fun, pulpy idea and a short runtime, but it is clearly limited by its resources and does not rise above its influences.

If you enjoy scrappy British indie filmmaking and do not mind rough edges, you may find something to like. If you expect polished set pieces or a sharp script, you will probably be disappointed.

For a comparable small-scale pick, see our take on Guardian of Graveyard. You can also read more about the film's listing and community reviews on Letterboxd.

Who Will Enjoy B.R.I

• Fans of B-movie action who like a pulpy, revenge-driven hook.

• Viewers who enjoy supporting small independent British productions.

• Completists of reanimated-soldier stories looking for a budget cousin to the classics.