Review of The Forgiven (2022) by Tvjerry — 08 Jul 2022

Ralph Fiennes and Jessica Chastain play a rich couple on the way to a lavish bash in the Moroccan desert, when they accidentally hit a local boy with their car. The repercussions involve an atonement trip thru the barren countryside for him, while she lives it up at the party The story's developments are relatively simple and even the ending isn't a surprise.

What stands out are the quiet observations around the decadence of the rich white crowd contrasted against the solemn disdain of the locals, many of whom are in serving capacity. Fiennes' character starts uncompromisingly dismissive and heartless, but his transformation is abrupt.

Chastain relishes looking being gorgeous and self-indulgent. While the setting presents an interesting contrast, the story never gets to any genuine catharsis or even real dramatic heft.