The crime drama Silent Partners, inspired by the events of the 1980s drug wars, made its world premiere at the 42nd Annual Miami Film Festival on April 3, 2025, as part of the festival’s Opening Night celebrations. The film was released worldwide on all major streaming platforms on May 13, 2025. Produced by Ciro Dapagio Films and Godwins Productions, Silent Partners is directed by Jokes Yanes, and J. Bishop and Antoni Corrone write the screenplay.
The film stars in the cast include Ciro Dapagio (writer/producer), James Russo, Antoni Corone (writer), Garry Pastore, Nick Vallelonga, Saul Stein, Rafael Castillo, Karmela Bortoleti, Mike Marino, Lou Silver, Lola Dapagio, Barry Jay Minoff, James Bishop, and Lika Osipova.
Narrated by Valentine (Ciro Dapagio, “The MobKing” web series), a mafia enforcer from Chicago is introduced at the beginning of the film in a scene depicting one of his visits to enforce whatever deal has been set previously. The story tells the viewer how decisions were made to move some operations to Florida. Valentine is “selected” to make the move, along with Kofax (Antoni Corone). Not long into the film, these two are working in a brick-and-mortar office to “sell insurance” to those who think their jobs that come with risk can get coverage. Yes, details are not mentioned at this point so as not to spoil the fun.
As the Valentine/Kofax side hustle begins to take shape, a wrinkle in their plan surfaces with a new client. Nick (Ronnie Marmo) is attempting to secure information about Fat Dave (Garry Pastore) and Lil’ Dave (Joseph D’Onofrio). Every scene seems to contain many characters that come along with the main one now, so that may appear as “fluff” and create confusion for the viewer. This aspect does not reflect on the cast, as this goes back to the screenplay/script. It may reflect how many people were involved on either side of the law in the 80s when this was set. Do not walk away from your device when watching the film through a screening, as you might forget where you are with the evolving cast members in the story.
Overall, fans of “mob” or ‘mafia’ stories/films will like it, especially with Dapagio in his performance as Valentine. As soon as he is on camera, there is no doubt he is an enforcer with his deep voice, height, and broad shoulders.
Not bad for a runtime of 1 hour and 22 minutes. It sure seems like it is an R-rated film with the violence.
Source: Breaking Glass Pictures, IMDb