'Cost of a Soul': Low-budget drama has a gutsy handle

Two veterans become embroiled with violence back home (1:30). R: Violence, language. At the AMC Empire 25 andMagic JohnsonHarlem9.

This low-budget drama has a gutsy handle on what makes a crime drama crackle. Queens native Will Blagrove plays DD, a returningIraqvet having difficulties reconnecting with his mother and friends, and having even more trouble with his brothers. One has risen to neighborhood overlord, the other is slipping into a life of crime and drugs.

Meanwhile, Tommy (Chris Kerson), also back from battle, argues with his wife and introduces himself to the daughter born just after he left. After Tommy gets in debt to a thuggish crime boss (Greg Almquist), decisions are made that make the home front dangerous.

Kerson and Blagrove are intense, and veteran character actor Almquist turns in a Scorsese-quality turn as a corrosive, scowling SOB with fire in his eyes. Writer-director Sean Kirkpatrick's movie won anAMC Theatersindependent film contest, and though it's rough around the edges, it is also, undeniably, a nervy, confident debut.

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