WFG RATING: A

A production of the American Trash. Written and directed by Robert LaSardo. Produced by Robert LaSardo, Diana Carter, and Josh Webber. Cinematography by Mike Le. Edited by Anthony Espina and Rafael Portillo.

Stars Robert LaSardo, Lorelei Linklater, Costas Mandylor, Tom Sizemore, Gigi Gustin, Mark Thompson, Lance Caver, Elissa Dowling, and Rich R. Rendon. 

One of the greatest villain actors in indie cinema goes against type in his directorial debut, and it’s a damn good one. 

Milis is an Iraq war veteran who suffers from post traumatic stress disorder but has found his life in order again thanks to meeting Melissa. The two start an amazing relationship, doing lots of things together. For the first time in a long time, he is happy. However, one day will forever change his life. When Melissa leaves to go to work, she mysteriously disappears. Frantic, Milis reaches out to her boss, Jared, who also has no idea where she is.

However, Milis soon learns the terrifying truth. Melissa is found dead in a dumpster, wrecking Milis’ peaceful new life. However, with the help of friend and fellow war vet Tai and Melissa’s estranged sister Mandy, Milis begins to reflect on his relationship and begins to learn love once again as well as finding peace. However, he still wants to know what exactly happened to Melissa and one moment will be life-changing for the former war hero. 

For those familiar with cinema, whether it is a B-movie (or indie these days) or a TV series, Robert LaSado is definitely one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood. Usually known for playing thug-like characters in films like Tiger Heart (1997), Wishmaster 2: Evil Never Dies (1999) or some of Mahal Empire’s recent films like Bloodthirst (2023) and Arena Wars (2024), LaSardo decided to go against type in this drama he wrote, produced, stars, and also made his directorial debut. 

There is something about his ability to elevate a film no matter how big or small the role. Here, he takes center stage as war veteran Milis, who is seen having a peaceful life with Melissa, played by Lorelei Linklater. What’s interesting about Milis is that he listens to Charles Manson’s recording and somewhat follows his theory about life. While this may bring a cringe factor to many people, it brings him peace of mind and combined with Melissa’s work as an environmentalist, he finds true happiness. That is, until the moment his life is shattered with her disappearance and eventual death.

The film’s title has quite a double meaning. On one hand, it has a sense of symbolism in a negative light when it’s revealed Melissa is found dead in a dumpster, thrown out like trash. On the other hand, it also has a connotation of the negative impact of cities due to criminals doing what they please and are considered trash to society. The latter comes in a very emotional scene where we see Milis talk with Jared (played by a very good Lance Caver), Mandy (played by a fantastic Gigi Gustin), and some new friends, including a very emotional Elissa Dowling as Linda, who feels as if they move out of the city to avoid the criminals, she feels the criminals will win. 

There are also cameos from the likes of the late Tom Sizemore and Costas Mandylor as two detectives. The former is actually investigating Melissa’s death and informs Mandy of her passing. In a scene where Milis goes to the police station to get an update on the case, we meet Mandlylor’s brash detective. The latter seems to be a catalyst for Milis’ PTSD triggering him in beats of moments where he confronts those who threaten anyone close to him, leading to a life-altering moment set to change his destiny. 

American Trash is definitely an emotional rollercoaster of a film, and that’s a good thing. Robert LaSardo churns in a tour de force performance in front of the camera and makes one hell of a directorial debut. Definitely one to check out!