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Plot: What’s it about?
A lot of times when I know I have a review due I will go over in my mind what I plan to discuss. By no means do I want to overthink it, but it’s simply the way my brain works. Why would I even include this portion in my review, you might ask? Well, it’s because when Juror #2 comes to mind there are so many things I could say before I even get into the meat of the review. I find it truly strange that Warner Brothers decided to bypass a theatrical release outside of a very few number of theaters. Whatever happened behind the scenes and if that was the original intent I do not know. What I will say is it’s the kind of adult-oriented film that I think we need more of today. I was certainly hoping to catch it theatrically as I am a fan of court room dramas. It is the kind of film that dominated in the 90’s. Another topic I could lead with is how it’s been quite a long time since I was chosen for Jury Duty. I certainly hope I don’t have to any time soon either as it can be quite a chore. While I don’t think there will ever be another Clint Eastwood in terms of his career success and longevity, I will say that I have found his latter career choices less than satisfying to say the least. Truth be told, I think his last two great films remain Gran Torino and Changeling, the latter which features a wonderful performance from Angelina Jolie while the former Eastwood directed and starred in. Thankfully, I am here to report that Juror #2 is a wonderful return to form for the legendary Director who is now in his 90’s. Should he continue to make films as long as he can, I truly hope that they’re as effective as this one. Don’t let me get too far ahead. Let’s discuss the plot, shall we?
I am usually careful to not want to reveal too much of a plot to let things remain as fresh for viewers as possible. In the case of this film, the central premise is revealed about 30 minutes in. I am sure the trailers and basic premise won’t be entirely unknown to casual viewers, but if you do want to avoid plot specifics all together, then maybe skip this review entirely or go straight to the bottom-line portion. Nicholas Hoult stars here as Justin Kemp. He is a journalist who has just been chosen for Jury Duty. His wife, Allison (Zoey Deutch) is having a child, and she is considered a high-risk pregnancy. The two of them are hoping that this can get Justin out of Jury Duty all together, but he is unsuccessful in his attempts. The case at hand involves a man named James (Gabriel Basso) who we learn had a lot of conflict with his girlfriend, Kendall (Francesca Eastwood) and is accused of murdering her. Toni Collette plays the D.A. named Faith who is also running for election. The case seems clear, and the jury are all on the same page. That is except for Justin. We see him already appearing very nervous looking, but we learn the answer. Justin is a recovering alcoholic who was at the same bar the night that the man accused was. Justin believes he hit a deer while driving home that night, but upon learning of the case, he realizes that he may in fact have hit Kendall. This news would change the entire case and potentially do a lot of damage to Justin. And therein lies the issue. Justin tries to convince the others that maybe James is innocent but also wants to ensure he isn’t throwing himself under the bus. The film has some truly effective moments amongst the jurors, especially when J.K. Simmons enters as Harold, a former detective who decides to investigate the case on his own. He sees Justin follow him one day and things steamroll from there. Investigating on your own is illegal if you’re in a jury as he is failing to disclose past employment which Harold does.
It should be noted that the film isn’t a thriller in the traditional sense as it’s more focused on the characters and especially the guilt this lead character faces. One thing the film does well is it never gives us easy answers. It isn’t confusing or hard to follow, but it lets us question things and reach our own conclusions on a lot of what occurred. I found it truly involving and unpredictable as well. All the cast here do fine work, and I was never quite sure how this would all play out. A lot of the suspense comes from smaller moments where we’re unsure what certain characters will do or say next. I have mixed feelings on the closing moment, but overall, this remains an effective drama and one of Eastwood’s best films in years. Check it out.
Video: How’s it look?
Pristine is a word I would use. This isn’t a flashy film, but the interior and exterior shots are all wonderful. The film is set in Georgia and it’s always pretty to look at whether it’s the sunny background or the court room itself. All things told; this is a winning transfer. It is shown wider with a 2.39:1 ratio.
Audio: How’s it sound?
The Dolby Atmos track also works well even if this film isn’t always action packed. Vocals had the clarity as did the flashback bar scenes. Like the transfer, this track satisfies.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Unfortunately, this disc contains no bonus materials.
The Bottom Line
Juror #2 won me over and proved involving and effective. I cared about the characters and the outcome. It remained unpredictable right until the final shot. It is one of Clint Eastwood’s best films in years and the kind we don’t see much anymore. It is a shame that this wasn’t given a wide release as I feel it deserves a large audience. It is unpredictable and features a compelling story and great acting. Highly Recommended.
