Vannessa Vasquez, Efren Ramirez, and Michael Raymond-James Star in New Crime Noir Film “Motives”
EXCLUSIVE: Daytime Emmy-nominated actress Vannessa Vasquez will take the lead role in the crime noir film Motives, directed by Jon Garcia. She stars alongside Efren Ramirez, known for his role in Napoleon Dynamite, and Michael Raymond James from Godfather of Harlem.
Motives marks Garcia’s 13th independent feature. The film follows Detective Izzy Morgan, portrayed by Vasquez, a determined investigator who becomes embroiled in a complex case that reveals the hidden violence lurking beneath a facade of wealth and privilege.
As Izzy and her partner, Detective Mark Navarro (played by Ramirez), delve deeper into a shocking murder connected to the city’s elite youth, they unearth a dark underbelly that tests their moral boundaries. Two years later, a disturbingly similar crime unsettles the community—this time involving the son of Chief of Police Greg Lamar, portrayed by Raymond-James. As the investigation grows increasingly complicated, Izzy must confront her own obsessions and the personal toll of her quest for justice.
The film is produced by Garcia and Vasquez, alongside writers R.J. Pineiro and Sean Logan.
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The cast also features Casey Hartnett (Terrorizer 2), Kyla N. Brown (Dead Deer High), and Kate McCarty (Killing the Competition).
Vasquez’s previous work includes the TV series East Los High, Walker, MacGyver, Border Patrol, and National Treasure: Edge of History. She is represented by Global Artists Agency and Meyer & Downs.
Ramirez is widely recognized for his role as Pedro in the cult classic Napoleon Dynamite and has appeared in Lightyear, When in Rome, and the Crank franchise. He is represented by TalentWorks and Mainstay Entertainment.
Raymond-James has appeared in notable productions such as the Tom Cruise film Jack Reacher, HBO’s True Blood, See, Billions, and Once Upon a Time. He is represented by Gersh, Principal Entertainment LA, and Peikoff Mahan.
