13th Nov2014

‘Felony’ VOD Review

by Richard Axtell

Stars: Jai Courtney, Joel Edgerton, Tom Wilkinson, Melissa George, Sarah Roberts, Rosie Lourde | Written by Joel Edgerton | Directed by Matthew Saville

felony-cast

Felony follows three male detectives as they become embroiled in a tense struggle after a tragic accident that leaves a child in a coma with brain damage. One is guilty of a crime, one will try to cover it up, and the other attempts to expose it. How far will these men go to both disguise and unravel the truth?

I think what really hooked me into Felony was the fact that there were not really any “good” guys. It is a very morally grey film, each character having their own flaws and questionable qualities and that definitely ramps up the realism. Along with that, this isn’t an action film with shooting ofinfinite bullets, car chases and explosions. No, this film definitely explores the boundaries of right and wrong and if enough good can balance out a bad mistake. Even with the initial accident which sparks it all off, you will be left wondering if anything actually happened at all and how much to blame the character really is.

It is a film which raises many questions throughout and keeps the interest high. I will admit, I had guessed a lot of the film before it got too far in, but whether that is just because I watch far too many films or if Felony was cliché is up for dispute.

The three main characters, played by Jai Courtney, Joel Edgerton and Tom Wilkinson respectively are unshakably acted. At first, the characters did seem a bit cliché in themselves but the acting and writing took them in directions which I found very pleasing and unexpected. I found myself wanting justice for the child but also sympathising with the guilty party during the film, which is not only an extremely confusing feeling, but also highlights how well the film was written.

If there was one main snag with Felony, it was that I didn’t feel tense really at any point. Yes, it raises questions and makes you think, but I never really felt the story went deep enough to get my heart racing at the fear of discovery or danger. It seems to stay at a certain, almost calm, level, never really peaking in an emotional way.

Overall, although not a heart racing thriller, I think Felony is worth checking out for an intriguing and well acted piece on morality and justice.

Off

Comments are closed.