Affinity

Affinity is one of those rare action films that manages to combine brutal and spectacular action scenes with an almost outdated belief in the sincerity of its characters. At the heart of it all is Marko Zaror, a name long celebrated by action fans but too often relegated to supporting roles in major productions such as John Wick: Chapter 4 or Alita: Battle Angel. With Affinity, directed by Brandon Slagle, Marko Zaror finally steps into the spotlight as the lead star in his first English-language film, carrying a movie that is both an adrenaline-fueled love story and a brutal display of martial arts. This project was born not only from his creativity, but also from the bittersweet origins of an idea developed with the late independent filmmaker Daniel Zirilli, which immediately gives the film a deeper resonance for those familiar with his story.

The story follows Bruno, a former Navy SEAL played with magnetic intensity by Marko Zaror, whose war scars extend beyond the physical realm to the emotional realm of post-traumatic stress disorder after a failed mission cost him his brother's life. Living in quiet exile on the waters of Thailand, he drowns his pain in alcohol and the company of his loyal allies Joe (played with gray-haired charm by Louis Mandylor) and Fitch (the muscular and surprisingly nuanced Brooke Ence). His isolation is violently interrupted when Athena, a mysterious woman played by Jane Mirro, washes up on shore and needs to be rescued. What begins as an unexpected romance quickly turns into a descent into chaos when Athena's past catches up with her, dragging Bruno into a battle against ruthless enemies and secrets that link his existence to sci-fi horror as much as human frailty.

What sets Affinity apart from many other action films is the way Marko Zaror approaches the subject, not only as an actor, but also as a producer and fight choreographer. His mark is visible in every scene, especially in the choreographed violence that punctuates the story. Each fight sequence escalates in scale and intensity, beginning with a first-person shooter-inspired opening that plunges viewers into Bruno's trauma, before evolving into knife fights, shootouts, and acrobatic martial arts duels that remind us why Marko Zaror has long been considered the Chilean Dragon. His final confrontation with Brahim Chab, who plays the savage Krieger, is one of the film's highlights: a gravity-defying exchange of blows that seems destined to be dissected frame by frame by martial arts aficionados for years to come.

Director Brandon Slagle once again demonstrates why he has quietly become one of the most reliable names in independent action cinema. Films like The Flood and Battle for Saipan established him as someone who knows how to make the most of very limited budgets, but here he seems energized by the opportunity to craft a vehicle for an action star. His lens captures not only the ferocity of the fighting, but also the beauty of the Thai landscapes, which become a character in their own right, contrasting serenity with the brutal violence that unfolds there. An anecdote reported by those who attended the first screenings at the Big Bad Film Fest recalls that the magnificent wide shots of Thailand elicited as many murmurs of admiration as the choreography of the fights, an unusual balance for the genre and a testament to Slagle's confidence as a storyteller.

The supporting roles prove equally essential in conveying the emotion of the story. Louis Mandylor, a long-time reliable figure in front of and behind the camera, brings lightness and gravity to the role of Joe, anchoring the film's most intense moments with credible warmth. His chemistry with Marko Zaror, based on their characters' history as seasoned brothers in arms, cements some of the film's most moving moments. For her part, Fitch, played by Brooke Ence, is much more than just muscle support, dominating her scenes with the confidence of an actress who could easily carry her own action movie. Jane Mirro, as Athena, brings a quiet soul to the film. She avoids clichés by playing her role with understated vulnerability, her performance ensuring that the film's romantic heart feels authentic rather than superficial.

One detail worth noting is the editing by Ernesto Diaz Espinoza, the Chilean filmmaker who collaborated with Marko Zaror on cult action classics such as Redeemer and Mandrill. His touch ensures that the pace remains sustained throughout the film's runtime, balancing the need for relentless action with just enough space for character development. This conciseness is one of the film's greatest strengths: there is no fat, no indulgence, just the essence of what an action film should be. In an era when blockbusters often exceed two and a half hours, Affinity feels like a refreshing return to more concise and brutal storytelling.

Affinity is both an explosive exercise in the genre and an important milestone in Marko Zaror's career. For years, he has been the secret weapon in other directors' films, shining in supporting roles but rarely having the opportunity to carry a film in his own right. Here, he proves beyond a shadow of a doubt that he is on par with Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sylvester Stallone, and Chuck Norris, not as a nostalgic imitation, but as a continuation of that lineage, updated for a new generation. The mix of fierce combat, unexpected romance, and even a touch of Frankenstein-esque science fiction suggests that the action genre still has room for bold experimentation when the right people are at the helm.

With Affinity, Marko Zaror shows his desire to be recognized as one of the last true action stars still working today. The pulverizing synthetic soundtrack, the brutal choreography, the grandiose Thai panoramas: together, they forge a film that may not be perfect, but is undeniably alive. At a time when so many action films seem calculated and sterile, Affinity exudes passion in every frame, and that alone makes it a must-see for anyone who still believes in the power of a single actor to carry an action film with nothing but his sweat, courage, and pure physical talent.

Affinity
Directed by Brandon Slagle
Written by Gina Aguad, Christopher M. Don, Liam O'Neil, Marko Zaror
Produced by Joshua Dixon, Adel Nur, Adam Pray, Daniel Zirilli
Starring Marko Zaror, Louis Mandylor, Brooke Ence, Brahim Chab, Elliott Allison
Cinematography:
Edited by Ernesto Díaz Espinoza
Music by Rocco
Production companies: Mbrella Films, Cut Mix and Color, Atomik Content, Los Lobos Records, Zaror Entertainment
Distributed by Well Go USA Entertainment (United States), Haussmann Medias (France)
Release dates: September 30, 2025 (United States)
Running time: 86 minutes

Seen on September 19, 2025 (press screener)

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