The Good Neighbor

This one of those movies that starts out with the question what any of us would have in the same situation as the protagonist. What if you did something bad and you could get away with it? Has been done before. But the performances are really strong. Jonathan Rhys Meyers is great in his mix of subtle and all out moments. Luke Kleintank does a good job, being relatable while at the same time going down a slippery slope. The film has a retro feel in its premise, and also the pacing is not superfast, but the tension rises constantly to a surprising climax.

Prepare to be drawn into a world of moral ambiguity and escalating tension in "The Good Neighbor." Luke Kleintank brings depth to the character of David, whose accidental actions set off a chain of events that spiral out of control. Vanessa's grief, portrayed by Eloise Smyth, adds an emotional anchor to the narrative. However, it's Jonathan Rhys Meyers' portrayal of Robert that steals the show - his portrayal of the seemingly perfect neighbor harboring sinister motives keeps you guessing at every turn. The conflict between David and Robert builds to a climax that's as chilling as it is riveting. This is a story of guilt, redemption, and the dark corners of human nature that will leave you deep in thought long after the credits roll.

When two newly acquainted neighbours decide to go out for a drink together their lives change for ever when they knock a cyclist down on a quiet road on the way back from the club killing her instantly. Rather than do the right thing both men flee the scene. Worse is to follow when journalist David (the driver responsible) is assigned with the task of investigating his own crime, but he also starts seeing the victim's sister Vanessa whom is unaware of David's true identity...

There is quite a quirky dynamic between Robert and David which, at times, does make the film interesting. You can sense early on that Robert is a ticking time bomb whom it seems does not take rejection particularly well. On the other hand, David seems more of an average Joe who doesn't seem to possess any strange character traits; his only flaw perhaps is that he can be easily lead which is what puts him in the mess he ultimately ends up in.

Whilst it's clearly pivotal to the plot I have to admit to being less impressed with the film when Vanessa arrives on the scene. The bulk of the film revolves around her blossoming relationship with David; in all honesty David and Vanessa are both a tad bland and I would have preferred it if more focus would have been shifted on to both Robert (due to his more interesting persona) and the investigation surrounding the collision (which seems under-utilised). The only mildly intriguing aspect of their relationship is finding out when/if/how Vanessa discovers the truth, but for me it's not a good enough hook to keep me fully involved.

Thank goodness then for Jonathan Rhys Meyers whose creepy unhinged performance here is the highlight of the film. I did miss him when he wasn't on the screen as every other aspect of the story was a tad mundane. He transforms a rather unremarkable film in to something that is semi-watchable which is quite commendable.

The Good Neighbour is worth a look if there's nothing else on, but it's not something I would recommend making a big point of seeing.

Just ok, a bit long and very predictable. I myself LOVE Meyer as an actor but he just didn't mesh well with the other lead actor. His emotions and reaction at times were laughable because they felt so fake or unreal. I really only wanted to see this movie because he was in it but not that I have I wish I hadn't. Was it a good thriller? Yes, but nothing new or special. Good for a one time watch, MAYBE two, but that was it. Never found out why the girl was on her bike, on that road at night in the first place, but oh well.

This movie is completely guided by coincidences and unlikely things happening. It started off rather promising and I was curious to see where the movie would go even though the trailer pretty much spoiled the complete first act. Anyway after watching for a while the movie turned to the classic tropes and had little originality left.

You have a familiar premise where things are done slightly different but it's overall the same thing you likely have seen before. That being said the movie is not bad, it's tense and suspenseful and really draws you into the story, even though you have no one to really root for. The acting is fine but not great and the overall production value was pretty good. Overall it's a decent movie that doesn't reinvent the genre and gets dragged down by some of its flaws. [5,6/10]