Royal Court Film Review: Silent Partners

Jae Byrd Wells
May 26
7 min read

1. The Prologue of the Realm

Silent Partners is a gritty crime drama set in 1980s Miami, brought to life by director Jorge “Yokes” Yanes. The screenplay is crafted by J. Bishop, Jokes Yanes, and star Ciro Dapagio, who also leads the cast as the enigmatic hitman Valentine. The film features an impressive lineup of supporting actors, including James Russo as Frankie Cutts, Garry Pastore as Fat Dave Gianetti, Nick Vallelonga, and Donofrio, along with Antoni Corone. With a talented team behind and in front of the camera, Silent Partners promises a compelling and intense journey into the dangerous underworld of organized crime.

I had the incredible opportunity to attend the world premiere of Silent Partners at The Wick Theatre & Museum Club on August 23rd, 2024, at 8pm. The event was an unforgettable experience—complete with a glamorous red carpet where I had the chance to meet the talented cast and creators. The night kicked off with a full DJ set, allowing everyone to dance and celebrate the debut of this gritty crime thriller set in 1980s Miami. While I didn’t attend the second world premiere on April 3, 2025, during the exclusive opening night festivities at the 42nd Miami Film Festival, I purchased Silent Partners on Amazon Prime when it released on May 13, 2025, on all major streaming platforms via Breaking Glass Pictures.

2. The Tale of the Plot

The characters are introduced in an organized and timely fashion together throughout the story in a loose documentary style. The narrator engages the viewers in a conversation manner drawing them tightly in suspense to each scene one after the other. We understand as an audience that some of the events are based on facts woven with fiction to protect identities. The statute of limitations has indeed passed where the story can unfold without worrying about backlash from relatives. In that matter, few might even understand their family and friends had any part in the historical presence. Individuals harboring any and all ill will toward the antagonists/protagonists in the story are probably passed on since this story took place years ago. The narration of the timeline kept the author’s voice without missing a beat.

3. The Knights and Courtiers (Acting & Characters)

Major actors were definitely hand picked for their talents creating a larger than life crew, however some of the supporting cast could be found overacting a little or just a little off. There was a scene where an individual was eating and perfectly reacted to the character speaking which shows the skills of the actor and the chemistry of the director for this film. Eating on film and reacting to the scene is one of the major difficulties in the entertainment industry and the fact that they did it perfectly puts this film on the same level as Hollywood. For the most part, the sexual tension amongst characters seemed on point and the one time it came across as awkward was because I knew the actor was deeply devoted. However, I felt the awkward tension fit the character portraying the sexual tension in the moment. The chemistry between some of the characters that had a long history together could be felt from their off screen and on screen relationships. The actors who knew each other off screen were picked perfectly to co-act together in scenes whereas the supporting actors had that perfect awkwardness with actors who I assumed they had never worked with. Perhaps they were so perfect at their acting skills with the timidness that it made this movie off the top in performance. I don’t know if the gun distributor acted like an idiot on purpose to give the audience some humor, but in real life, the gun distributor would have been under suspicion or discarded as a plant without how unprofessional he came across as a gun dealer who had never worked with a criminal all his life. The undercover cop told the audience that he was undercover based on the fact that he was going to give a huge financial investment as a gift? There are indeed red flags in the world that we miss as human beings so the subplot was sold on the audience.

The cultural references between Jews and Italians were spot on with dialogue and body language. Speaking of body language, I indeed loved all the body language of the actors even some of the timings of performances with the few overacting supporting actors.

4. The Lordship of Direction & Visual Arts

There are several different editors in the film business, and I felt like the edit kept the director’s vision and mastery intact. There were several perfect cameras panning and zoom ins. The one angle that bothered me was done on purpose and with clear intent of shaking the camera to pull the audience in with the emotional panic of the situation. The psychology skill behind the camera angles, coloring and lighting was perfect for each scene. The backflashes, the fuzz of certain scenes made this raw style unique and a perfect competition to Hollywood. Thie film gives the world a new voice and feel that audience has been craving. Hollywood is starting to feel like all movies lighting, effects and features are same coloring and lighting just changing the names of the same plots. Silent Partners is a new kid on the block.

NY Weekly

5. The Bard’s Melody (Sound & Music)

This is no Boondock saints when it comes to music. There was no blatant Gangsta style music which brings in audiences who might want to watch an organized crime film without the gangsta style rap. The audio transitions, scores all came across as originals. The added sound effects used to evoke emotions and tension gave my heart a running beat for the buck. I did not hear any flaws in the sound, audio and music quality.

6. The Guild’s Craftsmanship (Production Quality)

One cannot film a quality murder scene without the quality skills of a makeup artist. However, the Special Effects editing crew have to bring the makeup alive. The position of the camera has to hide reality and give a hint of magic on the camera. This film had the perfect editing team. The props and clothes came across as factual, landing me back in the 1980’s. The overall quality of production, editing and style choked out every little harmless imperfections leaving the audience wanting a sequel. What if….

Which Actor performed Gotti better?

John Travolta
Armand Assante

7. The Scrolls of Wisdom (Themes & Messages)

Seeing a movie about organized crime offers audiences several important moral lessons. The movie illustrates the destructive aspects of greed, violence, and corruption and how they can lead individuals and communities along bad and destructive paths. The stories often illustrate that crime can lure one into sudden riches or power but ultimately yields loss, betrayal, and suffering. The audience is also reminded of the value of loyalty, honor, and doing what is right, even in a world where temptation and moral question abound. The films can also shed light on the punishment of criminal actors, encouraging consideration of the value of integrity and the attractiveness of choosing a legal, righteous path in life. I would defiantly warn audience members recovering from addiction to substance abuse or those with a violent tendency. If an individual has experienced emotional and physical abuse, make sure you are healed or receive counseling. No hero is going to rescue you but you.

8. The Court’s Verdict (Overall Experience)

The film promises to tell the narrator’s historical story without losing the audience, which the cast, crew, director and editors fulfilled. It helped the audience question everyone and anyone around them as to how to become a better person if the audience is seeking self-healing and maturity life goals. However, if an individual wants to use this as a vigilante lesson, Silent Partners helps one visit the what if in the story of fiction in order to quench that thirst of the criminal world that 90% of humanity does not cross into.

9. The Royal Decree (Ranking Scale)

- Peasant (0-20%) – Not fit for the castle, poor quality

- Knight (21-40%) – Below expectations, some flaws

- Duke (41-60%) – Average, decent but forgettable

- Earl (61-80%) – Worthy of the court, good entertainment

- King/Queen (81-100%) – Regal masterpiece, must-see royalty

Hear ye, noble lords and ladies of the realm, and all who seek tales of power and intrigue! The royal decree commands thee to seek out and behold Silent Partners upon the streaming platforms near thee. This regal masterpiece, fit for kings and queens of the underworld, shall be made available for thy viewing through the noble house of Breaking Glass Pictures.

Let none miss this chance to witness a tale of shadows, loyalty, and treachery—an epic fit for rulers and mafiosi alike. Prepare thyself, for this is a film of such grandeur and craft that it shall elevate thy understanding of the dangerous dance of power.

So, summon thy courage and gather thy kin, and watch Silent Partners on the streaming platforms near thee—an experience worthy of royalty and lords of the clandestine underworld!

10. The Crown’s Summation & Audience Counsel

Although I watched Silent Partners at the first world premiere, I did not notice any changes in the film watching this second time. There have been changes in my own life and the reflections in my journey as a human being. Not only have I better understanding of the labor, commitment and skills needed in the film industry thanks to my Bachelor’s degree in film, but I understand the courage it takes to compete with Hollywood and tell this kind of story to the world. I applaud the individuals involved in this production. There are not rats involved in the production of this story so it should appeal to the underworld. It will appeal to individuals who love a good crime story for their bed time story. I commend the actors, directors and production team for making this film a reality. They should be commended for encouraging others to follow their dreams no matter what. Only those who are jealous of other’s success for following dreams or people who do not understand the hard work and level of commitment it takes to make this nearly perfect of a production would say this is not worthy of viewership. This movie is by far the best movie I have ever reviewed.

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Reviewed by Jae Byrd Wells

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