What’s It About
When a contract killer is diagnosed with a fast-moving form of dementia, he is presented with the opportunity to redeem himself by saving the life of his estranged adult son; to do this, he must race against the police closing in on him, as well as the ticking clock of his own rapidly-deteriorating mind.
MOVIESinMO REVIEW
The stylish noir thriller keeps you on the edge of your seat with unexpected plot twists and standout performances from a supporting cast featuring Al Pacino, James Marsden, and Marcia Gay Harden. Michael Keaton shines as the educated hitman John Knox, whose sharp intellect matches his tactical skills, honed from his military background. However, Knox is not infallible; he bungles an easy contract kill in the opening scenes. Knox is a complex character, diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of dementia, given only a few weeks to put his affairs in order. Screenwriter Gregory Poirier sets up a compelling premise, but the film struggles to maintain its momentum, losing its grip on the grit, atmosphere, suspense, and emotion it initially promises. Despite Keaton’s usually reliable performance, the movie fails to deliver on its potential. It needed to delve deeper into Knox’s character, exploring his background as an intellectual with PhDs in English and History and a Gulf War veteran. Instead, the film sidetracks into a clichéd subplot involving Knox’s estranged son, Miles, seeking his help to cover up a crime. The plot becomes increasingly convoluted as Knox races against time to clear his son’s name and perhaps find redemption. L.A. Police Detective Emily Ikari suspects Knox of a triple homicide, adding to the complexity. The film also focuses on the detectives working the case, particularly highlighting Suzy Nakamura’s character, which adds depth to her struggles and backstory. While the film’s twists and turns are not always graceful, the sharp dialogue and strong supporting cast, including Marcia Gay Harden and Al Pacino, elevate the story. However, Keaton’s portrayal of Knox falls short, failing to convey the depth of emotion and turmoil the character should be experiencing. Ultimately, the film struggles to live up to its promising premise and loses its way in a maze of narrative distractions.
OUR RATING – A DEMENTIA-RIDDEN 5
MEDIA
- Genre – Drama
- Street date
- Digital – May 21, 2024
- DVD/Blu-Ray – May 28, 2024
- Video – 1080p
- Screen size – 2.00:1
- Sound –English 5.1 Dolby Digital
- Subtitles – English SDH, Spanish
Extras
- none