Directed By:
Antoine Fuqua
Written By:
Nic Pizzolatto, Gustav Möller, Emil Nygaard Albertsen
Starring:
Jake Gyllenhaal, Riley Keough, Peter Sarsgaard
Genre:
Action, Drama, Thriller
Rated: R for language throughout.
Based on the 2018 Danish film, ‘The Guilty’ stars Jake Gyllenhaal as an on-probation officer forced to do 911 dispatch during the California wildfires. While taking what seems like a accidental call, he realizes this person has been kidnapped, and it is up to him to try and save them in this suspense thriller that accomplishes more of what the original film was wanting to convey.
Gyllenhaal is great in this and chews up every scene. The film was shot during COVID restrictions so the weight of the entire movie falls on his performance and he does great. There are a lot of supporting characters that are all voices rather than on screen.
The suspense is very well done with not a lot to work with. Sometimes I feel that is a benefit to a film than a detriment, and perhaps having limited capabilities is what makes ‘The Guilty’ feel so visceral and engaging. Director Antoine Fuqua gives us a film better than the original and I would definitely check it out!
