Juror #2

Expectant father "Justin" (Nicholas Hoult) is slated for jury duty and so duly sets off for the selection hoping that he doesn't get picked and that he can return to his wife to await the arrival of their bundle of joy. Sadly, though, they like the cut of his jib and selected he is. It's a murder trial with a man accused of brutally killing his girlfriend after a bar-room brawl. Prosecutor and aspiring DA candidate "Faith" (Toni Collette) thinks it's all in the bag, but defence attorney "Resnick" (Chris Messina) isn't so sure. As the proceedings commence, our second juror gets a bit of a shock...

<em>'Juror #2'</em> is very, very good!

Clint Eastwood just keeps pumping out movies, gotta respect the hustle. As someone who has seen every film of his, evidently now including this 40th (and final?) directorial piece, I'd say that this is one of his best works. He has done much better too, of course, but this 2024 release is impressive enough.

It's a clear Eastwood picture, so obviously made by someone from the old days as opposed to something that is undoubtedly made by today's market. It's supremely crafted in most areas, it relies of its fair share of convenience and isn't perfect ...

"Juror #2" unfolds in an unhurried yet absolutely fascinating way and it is utterly spellbinding to watch Justin Kemp (juror #2) as he slowly begins to realise he is becoming increasingly trapped with each passing moment and he has no clear options open to him to effect an escape from his predicament and no way to avoid ruination. The film really manages to achieve moments of quiet excitement, especially when more damning pieces of evidence begin to emerge like so much debris rising to the surface of a lake. It is engrossing as the film gradually begins to narrow the focus down to concentrate...

"_Maybe... I didn't hit a deer._"

I have so many questions, but can say this did keep me entertainined until the very end. And then it ends in a way that has me asking even more questions!...

Simple but decent enough legal thriller features great talent though no real standout performances (JK Simmons and Kiefer Sutherland have less than 10 minutes of screen time each). Direction is fine but nothing special. This isn't one I'd watch again. **3.0/5**...