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For over a decade, Marko Zaror has been one of the most dynamic martial artists working in cinema, Undisputed III, Redeemer, Fist of the Condor and finally getting some big screen recognition in John Wick: Chapter 4. With Affinity, directed by Brandon Slagle, Zaror finally steps into a leading role that lets him showcase not only his physical chops but also his dramatic range. The result is a lean, moody sci-fi actioner that plays with familiar tropes but injects them with a personal edge.

Zaror stars as Bruno, a former Navy SEAL wrestling with PTSD and loss, whose world is upended when he meets Jane Mirro’s character Athena, a mysterious woman with gaps in her memory. Their connection becomes the emotional through-line of the film and the questioning of one’s own identity and the limits of human resilience. Alongside them, Louis Mandylor brings gravitas and humour as Joe, Bruno’s old comrade and father figure, while Brooke Ence (Fitch) makes an impression as someone to watch with her physical scenes. And when Brahim Chab (Krieger) enters the picture as an adversary, the anticipation of a high-calibre showdown is rewarded in full.

What immediately sets Affinity apart from your standard lower-budget actioner is Marko Zaror himself. As the film’s driving creative force, he set out to make something that wasn’t just about punches and thrills, but also about asking bigger questions: What makes us who we are? How do our pasts shape the people we become?

Central to this is Zaror’s portrayal of Bruno, a man grappling with PTSD. Early on, the film opens with a first-person sequence that blurs memory and present experience, showing Bruno reliving trauma while turning to alcohol in a desperate attempt to dull the pain. Zaror captures the claustrophobic weight of being trapped in your own mind with striking authenticity, moments so raw they echo the haunted eyes of people I’ve lived with struggling with similar burdens. The film teases a deeper exploration of this side of Bruno, particularly through his bond with Joe, whose constant interventions act as both lifeline and moral compass. Bruno is a man of action, yet one disconnected from his own sense of place in the world, unsure if he even deserves one. It’s a character arc that will likely strike a chord with veterans and anyone familiar with the lingering shadows of trauma.

Still, while this subtext underpins Bruno’s choices and reactions throughout the film, it is resolved a little too neatly. The complexity of his struggle is hinted at, even lived, but then the narrative moves on, leaving the audience wishing for more time with this psychologically rich side of the story.

That said he not only headlines the film but also choreographs the fights, drawing on Thai stunt teams and his own eclectic martial arts background. The result is action that feels raw, bruising, and inventive. From brutal one-against-many sequences to weapon-based combat, there’s a variety here that keeps the physical storytelling fresh. The climactic duel with Chab stands as the moment Zaror truly unleashes, a reminder of the raw power and presence that made him so magnetic as a villain in countless action favourites.

Yet Affinity isn’t a wall-to-wall action film, and that may surprise some viewers. Much of its runtime is devoted to atmosphere, dialogue, and the slow burn of Bruno’s relationship with Athena. The romance, tinged with mystery, gives the story emotional stakes that elevate it beyond a series of brawls. When the action does hit, it feels earned because it’s grounded in character.

The film isn’t without its flaws. The narrative beats—haunted soldier, shadowy experiments, the mysterious woman who may not be who she seems—will be familiar to genre fans. Some supporting characters are underwritten, leaving their motivations hazy. And not every fight lands with equal impact; a handful feel more functional than visceral. A few budgetary issues with sets also take you out of the odd scene but that can’t be helped given how ambitious this movie is.

Even so, Affinity has a personality. It’s ambitious without overreaching, blending sci-fi, romance, and action in a way that feels sincere rather than cynical. At under 90 minutes, it moves briskly, never outstaying its welcome. Most importantly, it serves as a showcase for Zaror—not just as a fighter, but as a leading man capable of carrying a film emotionally as well as physically.

Distributed By: Well Go USA Entertainment
Home Entertainment Release: September 30, 2025
Platforms: Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Sky Store, Blu-ray/DVD (exclusive to Amazon)
Directed By: Brandon Slagle
Produced By: Adam Pray, Daniel Zirilli, Adel ‘Future’ Nur, Joshua Dixon
Written By: Gina Aguad, Liam O’Neil, Marko Zaror
Cast: Marko Zaror, Louis Mandylor, Brooke Ence, Jane Mirro, Brahim Achabbakhe, Andrey Kasushkin, Ego Mikitas, Tofan Pirani, Elliott Allison
Running Time: 81 minutes
Certification: R (USA)