Review of The Tall Man (2012) by Richard C — 05 Aug 2012

No one plays terrified like Jessica Biel she is at home giving the performance of her life when she is fighting for hers or someone elses. But there's so much more to her performance and character in this film.

it's without a doubt the strongest performance of her career and one of the best of the year. I wish I could tell you what this film is really about so you can engulf yourself in the poetic brilliance of it, but I won't ruin it for you.

Part of the films effectiveness comes from not knowing what to feel wherein lies the films thought provoking and urgently timeless message. The simplistic setup of the film is just this, children are being abducted from a very poor small town in Washington and the crimes are being committed by someone called "The Tall Man".

When Julias' (Biel) child is taken she goes on a frantic chase to unravel the truth but as the twists and turns unfold the truth is more shocking and spellbinding than you can even imagine. Directed by Pascal Laughtier of the abysmal Martyrs.

The Tall Man starts off as a brutal, powerhouse thriller after a brief setup the film quickly rushes into a nail biting chase film and it is completely thrilling. But as the film moves into it's brilliant second act you begin to question what and who you have become emotionally engaged too and than when the film finally blossoms open in it's final act it's hard to find the words to even describe the depth of thought that transpired through me.

I don't wanna say anything but I will say this it's a courageous film that asks you to question who we are and what has become of the world we live in. As well as what is truly right and what is truly wrong.

Most will be thrown off by the film but I'm pretty open with stuff like this especially when it's done so spectacularly. It's sure to offend some and leave others questioning what they just saw but in my opinion it was wrong to abandon this film to VOD release and a limited theatrical run it deserves to be seen and talked about.

But at the same time I can see considering it's subject matter why it would have trouble getting a wide release it's speaks a very difficult language so hard for people to listen and understand.

The direction is strong and the performances are remarkable besides Ms. biel in the lead Jodelle Ferland is finally given a meaty role and she does exceptionally with it as does the rest of the solid supporting cast.

The film features gorgeous cinematography and one of the most surprising screenplays ever to come to film. THE BEST MOVIE OF THE YEAR, ABSOLUTE BRILLIANCE.