Writer: Tracy Letts (Screenplay) Tracy Letts (Play)
Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Emile Hirsch, Juno Temple, Thomas Hayden Church, Gina Gershon, Marc Macaulay
Plot: When Chris (Hirsch) gets himself into trouble he comes up with a morally questionable decision to get himself out of his money troubles. He plans to hire a hit man Joe (McConaughey) to kill his mother and split the insurance money with his father Ansel (Church) and sister Dottie (Temple). After finding out Chris can’t pay upfront Joe offers to keep Dottie as a retainer until he can pay.
Verdict: A dark thriller
Story: When it comes to a thriller we usually get an easy to understand good and bad character with a few plot twists thrown in. This tests the moral boundaries for committing a crime for money. The story leaves each scene with you guessing what will happen next, what the character are capable of. Mixing everything together you get a group of very unlikeable characters committing a morally wrong crime to solve a problem that one person has. (8/10)
Actor Review: Matthew McConaughey – Killer Joe, a police detective who also works as a hit man. He gets hired and takes a shine to Dottie to complete his job. This is the beginning of the change in direction for Matthew’s career and much darker role than previously seen and he does shine in it. Star Performance Award, Smooth Talker Award, Scariest Character Award (9/10)
Actor Review: Emile Hirsch – Chris a gambler who has come up with a twisted plan to get the money he needs to clear his debts. Emile creates a very unlikeable character that is something I was not aware he could do after a string a goodie, goodie characters. (7/10)
Actor Review: Juno Temple – Dottie she offers a chance to see how blissfully innocent a younger family member can be in the scenario created. Does a great job and creates a performance shines through against all the dark characters. (9/10)
Actor Review: Thomas Hayden Church – Ansel, Chris father who has been remarried and reluctantly goes along with the plan to help Dottie. Good supporting role but doesn’t shine as well as fellow co-stars. (6/10)
Actor Review: Gina Gershon – Sharla, Ansel’s new wife who doesn’t get on with Chris and hides a bigger secret. Good supporting role that creates an even more unlikable character than the rest. (7/10)
Director Review: William Friedkin – Good direction to create this very dark thriller. (8/10)
Crime: Good crime that tests morals. (8/10)
Thriller: The tension builds up throughout and the final twenty odd minutes were edge of the seat. (9/10)
Believability: There would be people this twisted in real life. (2/10)
Chances of Tears: No (0/10)
Settings: The settings are mixed throughout the only setting that stays the same is the caravan park which shows the type of characters you will be dealing with. (7/10)
Suggestion: I feel this is one that will only be for certain audience, it is very dark, bloody and has too much unnecessary nudity. (Try It)
Best Part: Most of the final scene.
Worst Part: One part of the final scene awkward and uncomfortable to watch.
Oscar Chances: No
Chances of Sequel: No
Overall: Dark Twist Thriller
Rating