The Kid Detective

The Kid Detective starts out as a fairly run of the mill amateur sleuth movie, something not too distant from 'Murder She Wrote'. Luckily I didn't quit the film because it then turns very surprisingly dark. Well acted and directed with an ingenious plot , this movie will leave you thinking long after the credits have rolled.

A quirky murder mystery by Evan Morgan had unconventional steps to reveal the truth. I wasn't thoroughly impressed but had genuine LOL moments. Adam Brody is the best thing here cause you can't miss both his coming of age story and investigation process.

Abe Applebaum (Adam Brody) is a world-weary 32 year old private detective working his small cases. He is pitied. Twenty years earlier, he solved a big case at school and became adorably known as The Kid Detective. He solved all kinds of fun kiddie cases. It all came crashing down when his kiddie secretary Gracie Gulliver gets kidnapped and he failed to find her. Her disappearance haunts him to this day. Caroline (Sophie Nélisse) walks in with a big case. Her boyfriend was brutally murdered.

This is a lot better than I expected. Mostly, I found the mystery to be very compelling and the shocking reveal only tops it. The issue is the movie's lighter tone and comedic touches. It works but it does clash with the story's dark material. It's a brutal depressing story. I do wonder if the movie should try for a dark neo-noir tone instead. Nevertheless, this is a very good indie.

A brilliant, funny premise with comedic heft, that is also a unsettling thriller. It'a due to the whole cast, whip smart direction, excellent direction and a masterful performance from Adam Brody. It's a testament to both the writing and Brody that such a weird, unique premise can ride the line between goofy satire and deadly serious themes. It's a unique, thrilling and absolutely memorable film. Where the Coen brothers seem to be more tongue in cheek or outright violent, or Guy Ritchie might stylize and use violence for jokes, this film somehow has its hilarious moments without taking away from some of its deadly serious tones. It's wonderful filmmaking, and surely would have been a hit if 2020 hadn't decimated moviegoing. Here's hoping this isn't the last we've seen from the creative duo of Morgan and Brody, and that this film finds its audience on VOD. It's destined to be a cult classic.

Well written and acted. Pacing is good, as was casting.

Glosses over some very dark themes in a light manner though. Good twist.

Enjoyable movie and worth your time.