Review of Dragged Across Concrete (2019) by Afm185 — 21 Jun 2020

After watching Bone Tomahawk I knew I needed to see all the movies this guy had directed. And supposedly this is his worst. And yet it’s still very good. It’s a super long movie, 2 hours and a half, and it could’ve definitely been shortened, but I think it is a good length.

It builds its admittedly simple story very well over time through complex characters and thoroughly good dialogue. And that’s where Bone Tomahawk succeeded as well. I think I should just stop making comparisons now, though, and commend it/criticize on its own merits.

There are quite a few scenes I felt dragged a bit, but not enough to detract too much from my enjoyment. It’s just that almost every scene is about 10 minutes when most could be cut down to like 5, and would be in most movies.

That being said, this movie creates tension superbly. Some of the best I’ve ever seen in film or television. Despite the fact that I wasn’t in love with anyone particular, I was still nervous for most of them.

The ones you’re supposed to be nervous for, at least. The acting is phenomenal, and as previously mentioned it’s actors delivering really good, believable dialogue. The movie also looks good, with any “effects” looking extremely practical and believable as well.

This movie is very much set in reality, and it’s kind of refreshing when it comes to media with violence/action. I have two somewhat major issues with it though: there is one part of the movie that is a kind of huge spoiler and I think it was pretty cheap even if it almost made me cry, and the ending is relatively unsatisfying even if I’m not too upset about that fact.

It makes sense but that doesn’t make it nice.