Review by Nik Mohan

‘Splash City’ works within a familiar crime-drama framework, but its strongest quality is how specifically it belongs to San Francisco. Directed by Alex Ferrufino and Berner, the film follows brothers Elijah “Slim” Johnson (Zach Sowers) and Julian “Juju” Johnson (Reed Shannon), two young men raised under the same difficult circumstances but heading in very different directions. Slim sees basketball as his way out, while Juju, frustrated by living in his brother’s shadow, becomes involved in bipping — the Bay Area’s smash-and-grab car burglaries.

Reed Shannon gives the film its strongest performance, balancing Juju’s anger and recklessness with an underlying insecurity that makes him more sympathetic than the screenplay sometimes allows. Zach Sowers provides a solid contrast as Slim, while Quincy “Galaxy” Brooks brings a genuinely unpredictable energy to Dolo, the dangerous figure pulling Juju deeper into street life.

Where ‘Splash City’ really separates itself is its authenticity. Berner and writer David Mansanalez spent close to a year refining the script, even inviting local residents, real bippers and street hustlers to give feedback on the dialogue and Bay Area language. The production also mixed experienced actors with local talent and more than 100 background performers, helping the city feel lived-in rather than simply used as scenery.

Alejandro Lalinde’s cinematography captures a grittier side of San Francisco, with wet streets, cramped interiors and flashes of wealth reinforcing the economic divide surrounding the characters. Shot over just 15 rainy days across more than 20 locations, the film has a rough, restless energy that suits the material.

Divided brothers, dangerous friendships, easy money and escalating violence are all familiar territory, and the women in the story are noticeably less developed than the men… leading to the largest weakness here: the screenplay. At times, ‘Splash City’ feels more distinctive in its setting than in the actual story it is telling.

And yet, the film understands that crime does not exist in isolation. Economic pressure, identity, family responsibility and the desire for respect all shape Juju’s decisions without excusing them. That gives ‘Splash City’ enough drive to rise above its more predictable genre elements.

‘Splash City’ may not reinvent the urban crime drama, but its strong performances and genuine connection to the Bay Area give it an identity of its own. Shannon provides the emotional core, Brooks supplies the danger, and San Francisco ultimately becomes one of the film’s most important characters.

The film is available on Digital and VOD starting September 4, 2026.

Our score (out of 5 stars): ★★★☆☆