''Russell Geoffrey Banks puts in a performance that is a true genre standout"
Russell Geoffrey Banks (who also co-wrote the film) rises to the occasion of this tricky, layered role.
-Bloody Disgusting
★★★★★
★★★★★
-Starburst
Reviews and Press
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"There are few true indies that boast the type of powerhouse performance that Banks manages throughout nearly every frame of Who's Watching Oliver. His performance of the titular character is reminiscent of Jack Nicholson’s turn in 1980’s The Shining, albeit in reverse. Oliver is psychotically unhinged, but this mental state is not his doing. Every murder he commits is practically forced upon him by his abusive mother, and, perhaps even greater than the snarling, killer side of Oliver that is frequently showcased, Banks displays a compelling and heartbreaking conflict within the character. As the audience, we feel remorse for a character that would have been a simple villain in the hands of a less dynamic actor. Banks consistently elevates the film around him, making for one of the greatest indie horror viewings that the decade has to offer."
-'5 Must-See Indie Horror Performances Of The Decade So Far', Pop Horror
''Banks captures the anguish of somebody who has been through this kind of psychological conditioning process perfectly''
''Russell Geoffrey Banks was phenomenal, and officially the next actor on my list who’s filmography I have to become acquainted with''
-Stephanie Archer, Film Inquiry
Oliver’s actions in the film’s final act where he truly goes off the rails highlight a revelatory performance and Russell Geoffrey Banks (who also co-wrote the film) rises to the occasion of this tricky, layered role.
-Daniel Kurland, Bloody Disgusting
While Sara Malakul Lane delivers an eerily charming performance as Sophia and Margaret Roche is over-the-top creepy as the virtual mother, the real star of Who’s Watching Oliver is Russell Geoffrey Banks in the title role. At first, his visual appearance seems out of place. Banks seems too handsome to play an outcast like Oliver, so he looks like one of those hot popular guys in high school who would dress as a nerd for Halloween – take off the glasses and run a comb through his hair, and he could be on the cover of a fashion magazine. It’s basically the same problem that Chloë Grace Moretz had in Carrie; she was just too cute to be an effective Carrie White. However, as the movie goes on and the audience gets to know Oliver, they learn that he’s essentially a boy in a man’s body, his mental development stunted by his domineering mother – he’s a modern day Norman Bates. And Banks plays the awkwardness up perfectly, turning in a gutsy and committed performance that is meek and timid one moment, and ruthless and explosive the next. He shows little restraint, which is exactly how a character like Oliver needs to be played. There’s nothing halfway about Banks’ portrayal of Oliver. He’s horrifying in the role. And that’s a high compliment.
-James Jay Edwards, Film Fracture
The film left me with an appreciation for Russell Geoffrey Banks who had not registered on my radar before this. The ability he has to create a persona and live in it from the inside out is the sort of thing that actors are meant to do. This is what you define as a watershed role and I hope that Who’s Watching Oliver gets the kudos it deserves and it springboards to greater exposure for him.
Russell Geoffrey Banks, in his first starring role as Oliver, was so believable. You could see what a pathetic puppet he had been molded into. I was shocked to see a photo of Banks not in this character. The personality of Oliver is so completely true that I would never recognize him on the street — kind of a George McFly sorta vibe.
Russell Geoffrey Banks puts in a stellar performance as the main character. He’s uncomfortable to watch due to how awkward he is in social situations. Banks is also able to bring the character to another level when need be. Once it comes time for him to perform, Banks as Oliver shows laser focus and a methodical approach to killing. The multilayered performance continues as Oliver becomes more comfortable with Sophia and tries to defy his mother. Banks runs through a gamut of emotions as Oliver displays confidence, remorse, confusion, and even complete indifference. As a viewer, you never know what Oliver is going to do next but his emotional responses to situations often make you feel for him as well. Frankly, not too many horror films have you siding with the villain but Russell Geoffrey Banks is to Oliver what Anthony Perkins was to Norman Bates in Psycho.
-Jeremie Sabourin, Cinema Smack
Russell Geoffrey Banks absolutely shines as Oliver. Quiet, hopefully and torn he’s a lovable main character. Controlled over nightly web-cam sessions by his foul-mouthed mother played to perfection by Margaret Roche. Roche’s portrayal of “Mama” is terrifying. It’s with her that the true horror lies. Banks brings a level of vulnerability and pain to the role of Oliver.
Oliver was expertly portrayed by Russell Geoffrey Banks. My first experience with Banks’ acting came in the under-appreciated Thai horror Ghost House (2017). With Who’s Watching Oliver, I was completely blown away by Banks’ performance. His attention to detail and creating Oliver’s awkward idiosyncrasies, truly brought the character to life. Banks’ performance carried the film and made it so much more, than it otherwise would have been with a mediocre actor. It was one of the best character performances I’ve seen in some time.
Banks actually makes us feel for Oliver even after we see what he’s capable of. He makes us understand the conflict between who he wants to be, and what his mother forces him to be.
''Russell Geoffrey Banks puts in a performance that is a true genre standout of 2018''
I hadn’t seen much of Russell Geoffrey Banks (also a co-writer), outside a supporting part in the less remarkable Pernicious. Judging by his performance here, he’s definitely one to watch and can truly deliver with the right material. With such an intimate focus, much of the film’s success is really down to him. If he plays it too weird, the film becomes a little goofy, but making him too straight would offset any good will. So in a happy halfway, Oliveris fully realistic but not like anyone you’ve ever met. Banks fully embodies the part, honing numerous subtle idiosyncrasies, alongside the loud, screaming displays of emotion. One breakdown scene in particular more than explains the awards he’s won on the festival circuit, and makes him an early contender for best of the year. His hysterical empathy for the victims is often hard to watch. And although we may doubt the sincerity he rationalises what he does with, we don’t doubt how damaged he is by all he’s done.
Russell Geoffrey Banks, as if channeling the Kray brothers, delivers a solid performance with his eyes framed by glasses, his hair gelled back and sporting an unassuming, nerdy look. Drifting from victim to perpetrator and back again, he manages to keep the thread with a Revenge of the Nerds vulnerability.
A star turn by Russell Banks as Oliver. Oliver is exactly the unhinged guy you expect in a gory horror movie, but Banks gives Oliver shades of empathy you’re not expecting even as you watch him commit atrocities. It’s a performance with more depth than the genre usually warrants, and you only hope Banks doesn’t get typecast in exclusively creepy roles just because he’s so good in this.