DESTROYER (2018)

Directed By: Karyn Kusama 
Written By: Phil Hay & Matt Manfredi 
Cinematography: Julie Kirkwood 
Editor: Plummy Tucker 


Cast: Nicole Kidman, Sebastian Stan, Bradley Whitford, Tatiana Maslany, Toby Kebbell, Toby Huss, Scoot McNairy, James Jordan, Beau Knapp, Jade Pettyjohn 


The film follows the moral and existential odyssey of LAPD detective Erin Bell who, as a young cop, was placed undercover with a gang in the California desert with tragic results. When the leader of that gang re-emerges many years later, she must work her way back through the remaining members and into her own history with them to finally reckon with the demons that destroyed her past

Hard boiled yet takes place in the daylight and simmering sun.

Nicole Kidman’s look with sun damaged skin (as her psyche is similarly damaged and set) seems to be to get more into the role and character and be more believable. As it worked for her In The movie THE HOURS but can be a little distracting.

The problem might be with this film is that everything in this feels like a front or put on. As it always seems to aspire to be. Rather then just be and trust Itself. Even if when it does it comes off a little more light then expected.

A film that seems more aimed around a performance rather then a structured story. Even if the characters are somewhat interesting yet basic. It remains a tragedy.

We get glimpses of the riveting characters who actually make their scenes some Alive. Like James Jordan as the dying ex con who has a bit of vital information. Bradley Whitford as an amoral lawyer and business partner of the person she is hunting down who has no fear of her or anything really. And finally Tatiana Maslany unrecognizable as another trouble maker from her past now a string out junkie.

The film never feels quite as hardcore as it should. Though uncomfortable a lot is shots and scenes of contemplation and far off looks for the main character to always seem lost. so that it decides to be more abstract. instead of stright forward. As this film tries to make itself L.A. pulp in particular. It reminds one of the movie RAMPART that was supposed to be this down and dirty character study that promised a lot but gave little in the end. This offers more but still feels like it is missing something..

We see how life has treated Kidman’s character since as she tries to solve this case. That seems to offer some kind of redemption. Even though after a while the plot seems to become more second hand to her personal demons but the film intermixed them accordingly.

The film does benefit from little touches like after a chase the characters actually tired or even when she has a gun she still gets her ass kicked. The shoot out bank robbery is all adrenaline yet too short and not sensationalistic.

The villainous criminal mastermind is minor but becomes a kind of phantom who at times is philosophical. So that he comes across as a cult leader more than a crime boss of sorts. But he is still not that interesting. Even as he stays mysterious throughout.

Though predictable to a degree the film slowly becomes more personal and unravels in it’s own way. So you know what must happen but the film plays around with how it will get there and present it. Not challenging buy gives it a breath to create it’s own.

As she has to dig and deal with the skeletons of her past as she uncovers them and reveals more of herself.

The film seems to bask In, her and others beating her up or taking her down. In fact one beating looking down right tribal towards the end. As the film feels faux masculine most of the time. Just as the character is tough but we know why she must be that way. As a kind of protection from revealing who she truly is and any vulnerability.

The story becomes a kind of reunion for her as it goes along. Where everyone around her is sad or damaged. In fact everything in this movie seems to be that way. As everything In her life has been affected by one single action that she created. As all is slowly revealed. She finds herself taking responsibility and facing her truth.

The film reeks of a product of the 1980’s Or 90’s that tries to be a bit different. The film is boiled but it hard boiled enough. The end of the film feels a little Anti-climactic and could have easily been 10 - 15 minutes shorter

Grade: B-