Director Michael Merino’s upcoming action-thriller “CLUTCH,” starring Sadie Katz (Wrong Turn 6), Kaiwi Lyman (Den of Thieves), Augie Duke (Mayans M.C.), Mike Ferguson (Showdown at the Grand), with Michael Pare’ (Streets of Fire) and Vernon Wells (Mad Max 2) has wrapped production and is headed into post.
“Clutch” was partially inspired by true events; writer-producer Michael Merino based the story on a real life car-jacking of a female rideshare-driver who was taken hostage by a criminal on the run from his less-than-law-abiding accomplices, who were involved in a deleterious enterprise that was never solved.
According to the official logline, “Clutch” follows the story of Tonya (Sadie Katz), whose life is in a bit of a shambles and works as a share-driver to make ends-meet, and is under the thumb of her sugar daddy (Michael Pare’). One evening while working Tonya is car-jacked and finds herself in the dark underbelly of the city’s mob. The Carjacker, known as X (Kaiwi Lyman), is being hunted on the streets of the city by two hitmen, Tartalo (Mike Ferguson) and Lucius (Dan Istrate). They’re being guided by their Mob Boss (Vernon Wells) with orders to retrieve money stolen by X and eliminate him for his betrayal. Eventually Tonya comes to understand that some criminals are not what they first seem.
Katz commented on taking on the role of “Tonya”: “This is such a great script, I was thrilled to be a part of it. Michael Merino and Producer Randy Charach have been wonderful and I absolutely love indie films like this one. I’m stoked!”
The film also stars Eva Hamilton (Ruin Me) and Jessica Uberuaga (Incarnation).
Michael Merino’s previous film, the Dolph Lundgren action-thriller “Acceleration,” was written and directed by Merino. “Clutch” will be Merino’s second feature primarily set in automobiles. The film is being produced by Randy Charach (Charach Productions) and Merino (MCMFILMS).
