To Catch a Killer

Wild Tales by Szifron is ranked quite high on my favorites list. So, I was looking forward to his latest detective film. Honestly, I didn’t expect such high quality. The acting is exceptional, especially Ben Mendelsohn, who is a delight. The snowy Baltimore setting also adds a bit of extra charm to the film, considering the central theme is tracking down a serial killer. But for me, the standout is definitely the dialogue. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen such smartly written lines in the crime genre. Szifron put major effort into this, and hats off to him... Sure, the final third is somewhat predictable, but given the script, the gripping plot, and the perfect soundtrack (Carter Burwell didn’t disappoint), I couldn’t rate it any lower; my conscience wouldn’t allow it :D. I give it 8/10 and sincerely hope that the genre of solid old-school detective stories isn’t extinct yet. It still has a lot to offer to viewers (this film is a shining example). (06/08/2023)

So many social commentary themes are touched upon that none are explored in depth, but it remains a solid crime drama with good timing for both light relief and a factual jab at the power-hungry higher-ups who know full well that the mayor from Jaws stayed in office even in the sequel. It’s a shame that it didn’t avoid some classic genre clichés (detectives going alone to a dangerous place with only their vanity and the screenwriter’s will to back them up), but let’s be grateful for any attempt at a higher level that athletes like Fincher and Villeneuve have managed. P.S.: Ben Mendelsohn's sharp investigator dispensing professional and life wisdom deserves a series of his own, though it probably won’t happen. (05/29/2023)

More of a statement about the state of contemporary society than a pure crime story. The main quality of To Catch a Killer lies in its very skillful portrayal of contemporary America. It's about the two perspectives presented and getting out of the reality of two jobs, a shitty rental and debts into the world of swingers, signatures and pats on the back. The investigative line is bleak and plainspoken with a great Ben Mendelsohn and a make-up free Shailene Woodley, whose ordinariness as a smart girl who had bad luck in her childhood and less than ideal living conditions fits beautifully into the setting. The hunt for the killer is thrilling and the strange ending makes you think, something you don't see often these days. Szifrón's direction is precise and with a slightly better script this would have been an excellent film. Great cinematography, good music. A very pleasant surprise. (05/22/2023)

The movie started so well that I let my guard down and eagerly anticipated a genuine thriller experience. However, my excitement soon turned to disappointment as the plot unfolded. It became evident that the film was yet another platform for supposedly socially conscious activism, sidelining the action-packed suspense in favor of spotlighting various agendas. I was genuinely irked by how the atmosphere shifted for the worse after the gripping introduction, leaving behind quality suspense. It just wasn't the same anymore, and I'm certain Shailene Woodley wasn't to blame. No, it was the screenplay that began accumulating logical inconsistencies. As a result, my rating didn't go over three stars, which is sad considering the movie's fantastic beginning. (11/10/2023)

It starts off with a very original and promising setup, with the prospect of a good and dark detective story. However, it gradually veers into psychological drama and loses its momentum. Personally, I could have done without the gloomy passages delving into the self-harm history of the main character, which seem to contribute to the overall atmosphere of "nobody understands me, and I'm troubled," but it didn't work for me. Thumbs up for the relatively uncensored mass shooting and the highly pessimistic yet realistic ending. Thumbs down for the unfinished details that could have elevated the movie. Nevertheless, I still consider it decent, and decent gets a solid three :) (06/30/2023)