Review of Affliction (2011) by Drew S — 15 Mar 2007

A very mediocre thriller made infinitely stronger by the inclusion of some really well-written themes and mindblowing performances. Affliction is a thesis on how competent acting and directing can easily overcome a subpar premise. The mystery that Nick Nolte spends most of the movie chasing after is anemic, meandering and poorly-developed; it's his past, his present and his future that make the movie far more interesting. The movie is his, with his father standing behind him like some sick puppet master ruling over all the events.

James Coburn, looking like an evil frog, gives a downright chilling performance here. Coburn can immediately suspend the audience's disbelief, covering up the uninvolving plot and sucking you right back into the personal drama that these characters create. It is he who defines the entire movie, especially the explosive final fifteen minutes.