"McVeigh" (2024) attempts to chronicle the descent of Timothy McVeigh into domestic terrorism, but ultimately fails to provide a compelling or insightful portrayal of its subject. Directed by Mike Ott, the film had the potential to explore the psychological and ideological motivations behind one of the most infamous crimes in American history. Instead, it delivers a hollow, underdeveloped narrative that neither informs nor engages.
One of the film's biggest flaws is its lack of character development. McVeigh's disillusionment with the U. S. government-particularly his anger towards the federal response at Waco-is a crucial aspect of his radicalization, yet the movie barely touches on it. Without a deeper look into his beliefs and frustrations, McVeigh comes across as a one-dimensional figure, reducing the film's impact. The supporting characters are similarly neglected, existing only to move the plot forward rather than adding any real depth or nuance.
As a thriller, McVeigh is disappointingly flat. There's little tension, and the pacing drags, making it a struggle to stay engaged. The lack of emotional weight or psychological insight leaves the film feeling empty, as though it merely goes through the motions without saying anything meaningful. Even Alfie Allen's performance as McVeigh feels restrained, likely due to the script's failure to provide any real substance for him to work with.
Overall, McVeigh squanders its potential. Instead of offering a gripping or thought-provoking look at its subject, it settles for a superficial retelling that neither informs nor captivates. A film tackling such a disturbing and complex event should leave an impact-this one doesn't.
