Truth or Consequences: a Town’s Deadly Secret

Read Time:3 Minute, 42 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Crescent City
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Genre: Crime, Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 43m
Director(s): RJ Collins
Writer(s): Rich Ronat
Cast: Terrence Howard, Esai Morales, Nicky Whelan, Alec Baldwin
Where To Watch: in select theaters and digital/on-demand August 16, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: As you step into the unsettling quiet of a Southern town, the veil of tranquility quickly dissolves, revealing a series of gruesome crimes that disrupt the calm and push the community into an abyss of suspicion and fear. CRESCENT CITY emerges not merely as a thriller but as an intricate exploration of the darker facets of human nature, where the line between justice and vengeance becomes hauntingly blurred.

Terrence Howard delivers a solid performance as a detective burdened by his past and present. His journey is one of emotional and professional turmoil, portrayed with a depth that makes each scene resonate with authenticity and urgency. Howard’s portrayal of Brian Sutter is cornered by his haunted memories, facing challenges that test his resolve at every turn.

Alec Baldwin as Captain Howell, veiled in mystery throughout the film, presents a complex character whose motives are as obscured as his past. Despite recent personal controversies that I take issue with, Baldwin's performance is undeniably strong, layering the narrative with tension and uncertainty. His portrayal adds a raw, realistic edge to the film, making his character's actions both unpredictable and central to the unfolding drama.

CRESCENT CITY takes its time to build its world, a town cloaked in secrecy, where every corner hides layers of untold stories. This slow-burn approach might test the patience of some, but for those who stick with it, the payoff is gratifying. The film uses its setting as a backdrop and a catalyst for the story, creating a tense atmosphere that thickens with each scene.

The film's direction is surprisingly focused, with each frame composed to enhance the feeling of claustrophobia and suspense. The use of shadows and light sets the visual tone and mirrors the characters' inner conflict. The score, subtle yet haunting, complements the visual narrative, enriching the overall sense of foreboding that permeates the film.

However, CRESCENT CITY isn’t without its issues. The slow-burn plot sometimes meanders, losing focus with subplots that only sometimes feel necessary or fully realized. Some characters lack proper development to care about, and their potential never was reached, leaving the audience craving a more detailed exploration of their motives and backgrounds. Furthermore, intertwining various narrative threads sometimes adds confusion rather than clarity.

CRESCENT CITY challenges its viewers to look beyond the surface and question the essence of justice and redemption. Howard and Baldwin's performances anchor the film solidly in its thematic ambitions, providing a compelling look at what lies beneath the surface of human actions and societal norms. Nicky Whelan’s Jaclyn Waters helps counter the film's two leads as a wildcard that keeps viewers guessing.

For those who appreciate a narrative that provokes thought as much as it entertains, CRESCENT CITY is a commendable choice. It offers more than just suspense; it invites viewers into a deep, reflective dialogue about the nature of truth and the costs of its pursuit. While it may not redefine the thriller genre, it stands out through its commitment to storytelling and character development.

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[photo courtesy of LIONSGATE]

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