Double Blind features a solid setup: An assassin starts murdering pharma scientists who are pioneering a new medical breakthrough sure to create waves in the massive (and, at least here, evil) industry. Multiple companies are involved; which one hired the assassin? And what of the lone survivor amongst the scientists, now under the protection of special agents Jessica Tucker (Jennifer Jarrett) and John Smith (Christopher Showerman)? It opens with a phenomenal and surprising opening sequence but, despite some good action choreography, descends into personal drama that isn’t particularly interesting or engaging.

Writer-director Thomas D. Moser’s decision to keep Double Blind black-and-white gives it a moody look — not exactly noir but certainly more visually interesting than had he kept it a color picture. The score, however, is stuck in first gear even throughout the action sequences, and the audio mixing is spotty at best.

Moser’s choice to use Big Pharma as a presence in the story allows his heroes to tackle some topical subjects. One of the best lines goes to Showerman (who also has the film’s best role) when Smith reacts to Big Pharma’s pricing schemes. Smith expresses surprise, and although you’d not expect such an otherwise intelligent character to have not heard about the inflated cost of medical treatment, the performance lands the line — and its cheeky social commentary — all the same.

In fact, the performances really are pretty great across the board. Notably, Gareth (Phillip Daniel), whose role and identity are best left a secret , does a great job embodying different aspects when the role calls for it and turning on a dime.

Still, as much as the script and performances try to bring extra depth to the thriller plot, Double Blind doesn’t manage to make that character work as interesting as the action-oriented assassin plot. It’s a race against time that takes its sweet time. By the end of the final twist, it’s easy to appreciate what Moser was going for but also feel a little disappointed that the final product does not live up to its initial promise.