Juror #2

Juror Number 2 (also known as "Juror #2")
Stars: Nicholas Hoult, Zoey Deutch, Toni Collette Chris Massina, Kiefer Sutherland, Gabriel Basso, Francesca Eastwood and J. K. Simmons
Director: Clint Eastwood
Scriptwriter: Jonathan Abrams
Composer: Mark Mancina
Cinematography: Yves Belanger
Malpaso/Warner Brothers
Rating: PG-13
Running Length: 115 Minutes

Over ninety years old and still directing. Yes, it is Clint Eastwood back at the helm of a top-notch courtroom thriller with many angles to consider. He is now 93 years old and still directing a major film. The cast works as a unit with quality performances. Who is guilty and who is not guilty and who is the questionable one in-between. It is up to the law to work this out. Or will they? One never knows in a courtroom mystery. Two of the stars. Toni Collette and Nicholas Hoult work together after 20 years. Jonathan Abrams has quite a script here. Just what is going on? This story is reminiscent of the PBS television series. “Guilt.” There is a crime that people want to hide from and the result of their hiding from the crime

We open with a trial about to begin concerning the death of a woman, Kendall, (Francesca Eastwood) by her boyfriend, James, (Gabriel Basso.) A year has passed and a jury is called. Among those on the jury is Justin (Nicholas Hoult.) The prosecuting attorney is Faith Killebrew (Toni Colletti.) James is a recovering alcoholic and married to Ally (Zoey Deutch.) Kendall’s body was found under a bridge. As the trial begins and information comes forth, James begins to go back in time to that date when he was perpetually drunk and had traveled on that same road, perhaps, at that same time. He goes to his recovering alcoholic counselor, Larry (Kiefer Sutherland) for advice. Larry is a lawyer and advises Justin that perhaps he hit a deer and not a person. In the meantime, the attorney in the case, Faith, has her own battles to fight, as she nears election time and wants to keep her job. As past information begins to seep into the trial, each person involved has a minor crisis to battle such as sadness for a man probably going to prison. The clock is ticking as the story goes forward and back and forth as to what to do at what time. Tension is taunt. This is a chess match that requires concentration.

Director Clint Eastwood knows how to position his actors well for facial expressions. This is the work of cinematographer Yves Belanger, while composer Mark Maccina, has the on-the-edge music at the right moments. Acting is well done with Nicholas Hoult having a good grip on his character and oh-no-what-is-going-to-happen-next. Zoey Deutch is the wife who stands by her husband. Toni Colletti has the role of Faith, the attorney who seeks evidence and her conversations with Nicholas are intense. Kiefer Sutherland is fine but wish he were on screen longer.

Be prepared for anything to happen as the sands filter down through the hourglass. The film is a study in tension.
Three Tocks

Copyright 2024 Marie Asner