MOVIE REVIEW
Detained
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Genre: Thriller
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 37m
Director(s): Felipe Mucci
Writer(s): Felipe Mucci, Jeremy Palmer
Cast: Abbie Cornish, Laz Alonso, John Patrick Amedori, Justin H. Min, Josefine Lindegaard, Breeda Wool, Silas Weir Mitchell, Moon Bloodgood, Bernardo de Paula
Where To Watch: available via UK digital now

RAVING REVIEW: Tension simmers, and suspense thrives in DETAINED, a crime thriller that takes full advantage of its constrained setting and morally obscure characters. Felipe Mucci transforms a single-location premise into a taut, engaging mystery. The film pulls viewers into suspicion, danger, and hidden agendas.

Rebecca, played by Abbie Cornish, wakes up in an interrogation room with little memory of what brought her there. Accused of a serious crime she cannot recall, she faces relentless questioning from Detectives Avery (Laz Alonso) and Moon (Moon Bloodgood). The station’s emptiness—a result of supposed renovations—adds a layer of unease, while Rebecca’s lawyer appears woefully out of his depth. As cryptic messages and mysterious characters weave into the narrative, it becomes clear that Rebecca’s predicament is part of a much larger and more treacherous game.

Mucci’s direction uses the tight, confined setting to create an atmosphere that feels claustrophobic yet dynamic. The camera lingers on dimly lit corners and tense close-ups, pulling the audience directly into Rebecca’s discomfort and paranoia. Every interaction seems loaded with unspoken meaning, as though each character knows more than they let on. The station becomes a character of sorts, its desolation mirroring Rebecca's isolation as she tries to make sense of her circumstances.

Cornish delivers a standout performance, bringing depth to Rebecca’s arc from disoriented victim to determined survivor. Her portrayal is layered, capturing vulnerability and resilience as her character starts piecing together the truth. Alonso’s Detective Avery commands attention with a duality that is both charming and unnerving, leaving viewers constantly second-guessing his motives. Bloodgood’s portrayal of Detective Moon adds an essential counterbalance, grounding the story with a measured intensity that complements the chaos around her.

The supporting cast rounds out the film with strong performances that add texture and complexity. Breeda Wool’s brief but impactful role brings urgency and raises the stakes, while Justin H. Min’s portrayal of a nervous, inexperienced lawyer, Isaac Barsi, underscores the uncertainty of Rebecca’s situation.

DETAINED succeeds in creating a sense of momentum, even within its single-location setup. The limited space becomes a crucible for escalating tension, forcing characters to confront their motives and alliances. Mucci’s ability to sustain the film’s pacing ensures that each scene feels purposeful, whether building suspense or revealing another piece of the puzzle.

While initially gripping, some twists falter upon closer inspection, leaving a few unanswered questions that might frustrate viewers seeking a tightly wrapped conclusion. In particular, the film’s final act feels slightly overstuffed, with rapid revelations that risk overshadowing the weight of earlier moments. Still, the ambiguity leaves room for interpretation, inviting audiences to ponder what they’ve seen.

The film’s cinematography deserves special mention for amplifying the tension. The lighting and tight framing heighten the sense of confinement and emphasize the psychological strain. Every shadow and flickering light becomes a clue, reflecting the story’s theme of uncovering hidden truths. The story may not reinvent the crime thriller genre, but offers enough twists and ambiguity to stand out.

DETAINED underscores the enduring appeal of mysteries that challenge their characters and viewers alike. Its ability to create suspense in a confined space while exploring vulnerability under pressure makes it an engaging entry into the genre. While it may leave some loose threads, it’s a film that lingers in the mind, urging viewers to revisit its puzzles.

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[photo courtesy of PLAION PICTURES]

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