Review of Killer Joe (2012) by Erick F — 30 Apr 2014

Directed by William Friedkin, whose range of classic films range from The French Connection (1971) to The Exorcist (1973) to Sorcerer (1977). Here, he reunited with playwright Tracy Letts, after they worked together on Bug (2006) for this ultra-violent black comedy, which is blacker than black, and has some scenes you won't believe just happened.

It's a dark morality tale with a good ensemble. In West Dallas, 22 year old Chris Smith (Emile Hirsch) is a small time drug dealer who owes a lot of money to loan sharks all over town. He comes up with a plan to murder his mother Adele (Julia Smith) who has a $50,000 life insurance reward on her life.

However, the sole beneficiary would be Chris' sister Dottie (Juno Temple), who lives with her and Chris's father Ansel (Thomas Haden Church) and his new wife Sharla (Gina Gershon), who has no shame.

To do the job, Chris hires local police detective Joe Cooper (Matthew McConaughey), who has a side career as a contract killer. Should be a doddle, but Joe has other ideas... It is a very dirty and very seedy film, but Friedkin is the perfect man for the job, he's never been one to shy away from diving into the darker side of the human soul.

It's a very fast moving film, and it has some absolutely insane moments throughout. It doesn't forget it's theatrical roots, but it's absolutely electrifying as a film.