Review of Devil's Knot (2013) by Tamajain A — 11 Jan 2015

Review In A Nutshell:

Another example of a film with an interesting premise, wasted by a screenplay that lacks the compelling weight that many of its peers have been able to bring. This could have been a film that would have audiences constantly turning heads, always in thought on its conclusion, but the road it takes feels too safe and simple; barely affecting the characters that are being followed. The film at many points attempt to bring something more with its central characters, but it constantly shifts itself back to the film's larger story.

If the film had something larger to speak of, it would be the idea of justice being repressed in order to achieve the desires of its community; these convicted boys have always been a looked down upon the community, and wouldn't want them living with them. Accusing and convicting them would be the easy road, satisfying the hearts of not just the bereaving members, but also to the overall community. I wished the film spent a lot more time with this idea, letting it seep into the drama between its characters; but sadly it simply lingers in the air, barely leaving a mark on the minds of its audience.

The performances in this film felt a tad lazy, with Reese Witherspoon showing grief and sadness, but lacking in complex characterisation that would make her such an interesting study. Colin Firth as the investigator was severely miscast, with a faux accent that constantly distracted me and like Witherspoon, lacked that extra effort that would make the role feel complex and compelling.

Devil's Knot is a film that could have been something, but poor execution on the film's overall mystery and lack of characterisation of its central leads, makes this a forgettable entry.