The performances throughout this film are incredible, which leads me to believe that first-time director John Patton Ford must know what he's doing. Next time, though, he should probably put a little more time into revising his screenplay. The action unfolds at a thrilling pace, but if you hesitate to second guess any of the plot mechanics or the characters' motivations, then the whole thing risks plummeting into one of many gaping plot holes. Sheer momentum propels much of what happens in the final act, which ultimately leaves what could have been a phenomenal and original character story feeling just a tad superficial in retrospect.
Aubrey Plaza is mesmerizing as a woman who never allows herself to be taken advantage of. It's inspiring to see her consistently stand up for herself in the face of adversity and violence, never letting herself to succumb silently to victimhood. It seems surprisingly original (sadly) to see such behavior in a realistic drama manifested in a young, working class woman who is neither insane nor possessed with supernatural powers, and I appreciate this movie for presenting such a character in such a realistic way. Theo Rossi, Gina Gershon, Sheila Korsi, and Jonathan Avigdori likewise have incredible on-screen presence.
The somewhat silly contrivance of the plot doesn't detract from what's ultimately a very entertaining film, and I look forward to future efforts from Ford and Plaza.
Aubrey Plaza is mesmerizing as a woman who never allows herself to be taken advantage of. It's inspiring to see her consistently stand up for herself in the face of adversity and violence, never letting herself to succumb silently to victimhood. It seems surprisingly original (sadly) to see such behavior in a realistic drama manifested in a young, working class woman who is neither insane nor possessed with supernatural powers, and I appreciate this movie for presenting such a character in such a realistic way. Theo Rossi, Gina Gershon, Sheila Korsi, and Jonathan Avigdori likewise have incredible on-screen presence.
The somewhat silly contrivance of the plot doesn't detract from what's ultimately a very entertaining film, and I look forward to future efforts from Ford and Plaza.