Digital Playground has premiered "Deadly Vows," a new action feature from multi-XMAs winner Ricky Greenwood. The film, which Greenwood describes as a "tentpole project for 2025," stars Ryan Reid, Elly Clutch, and Mike Horner, among others.

Production Details and Influences

Filming for "Deadly Vows" included scenes shot on a remote hill north of the San Fernando Valley, featuring a makeshift training campground with Bonsai-esque trees. One early scene depicts Mike Horner, an adult industry legend, engaging in "sensei challenge-speak" with Ryan Reid. Horner's character, Miller Six, is a kung fu master who helps Sarah (Reid) recover, train, and plot her revenge after she is betrayed and left for dead.

Ricky Greenwood, who wrote and directed "Deadly Vows," stated that the film is influenced by action movies, including Quentin Tarantino’s "Kill Bill" and "Riki-Oh." Greenwood noted that "Deadly Vows" is "a mix of all my love for action movies." He also mentioned specific references within the film, such as Scott Nails' character having a patch similar to Snake Plissken from John Carpenter’s "Escape From..." movies, and a jacket worn by Scott that resembles one from "First Blood."

Greenwood described the production as a "long process," marking his first time writing in five years. He stated that "everyone put in months of hard work" and that the project "felt like a dream from start to finish." He praised the team's efforts, from the camera crew to set design, costumes, editing, and VFX.

Cast and Character Portrayals

"Deadly Vows" features a cast including Ryan Reid, Elly Clutch, Yhivi, Ricky Johnson, JMac, Scott Nails, Isiah Maxwell, Damon Dice, Mazee, Keiran Lee, Jenna Haze, and Mike Horner. Ryan Reid plays Sarah, who is betrayed by her boyfriend Fred (Ricky Johnson) and sister Ellen (Elly Clutch), who are secretly engaged. Sarah later teams up with Christie (Yhivi) and Smoke (Scott Nails) to confront Ellen’s gang, which includes JMac, Isiah Maxwell, Damon Dice, and Mazee, on the wedding day.

Elly Clutch, in her first major acting role, portrays "The Bride," also known as Ellen. Clutch described her character as "a bit bitchier" and "very angry," with "a lot of rage." She noted that Ellen is "vengeful" and "hotheaded" due to past wrongs. Greenwood commented that Elly Clutch provided "the perfect balance to Ryan," and together they "brought something really special to the screen."

Ryan Reid underwent months of training for her role. She expressed admiration for Greenwood's productions and admitted to being nervous about rising to the required level, especially with the extensive training involved. Reid stated that she committed fully to the role, believing "Deadly Vows" is "something special." Greenwood described Reid's performance as "incredible," highlighting her commitment to the role.

Plot Synopsis

The synopsis for "Deadly Vows" details Sarah's betrayal and her subsequent discovery by Miller Six, a kung fu master. Miller Six aids Sarah in her recovery, training, and planning for revenge. Once prepared, Sarah joins forces with Christie and Smoke to confront Ellen’s gang during the wedding. The film culminates in a showdown involving "bullets, blades, and fists."

Key Facts

  • Title: Deadly Vows
  • Studio: Digital Playground
  • Writer/Director: Ricky Greenwood
  • Release Date: Premiered September 8, 2025
  • Key Cast: Ryan Reid, Elly Clutch, Mike Horner, Yhivi, Ricky Johnson, JMac, Scott Nails, Isiah Maxwell, Damon Dice, Mazee, Keiran Lee, Jenna Haze
  • Influences: Quentin Tarantino’s "Kill Bill," "Riki-Oh," "Escape From..." movies, "First Blood"