Ioreka

I'm having a problem understanding where all the 'great script and excellent acting' comments are coming from. There are whole sequences of scenes that look as though they were created in a year 9 drama workshop, with unconvincing dialogue and tortuously slow, poorly timed interactions. The plot was engaging but it was delivered with no energy and with far too many filler scenes covering mundane, unnecessary detail. The lead characters aren't on their best form here, and some of the supporting cast are surprisingly wooden. The series didn't work for me and I normally like this kind of stuff. A real disappointment.

Beautifully filmed, great atmosphere, and real depth to this piece. Characters are engaging and their backstories matter. The setting is desolate and gorgeous, and the soundtrack works. It's both an entertaining thriller and a thoughtful exploration of a number of important matters. Could have done with a little less gun violence, and the flashback to the crime was unnecessarily graphic. But those are judgment calls from the director and others will feel differently about those kinds of thing. I got completely caught up in the story, which was well told and well acted. Very, very moving in places.

This film makes you care. You can't help but root for the protagonists and the tension is all the greater for that. Of course, a suspension of disbelief is required, but it doesn't ask too much of the viewer in that regard, and you do remain uncertain about how it's all going to turn out. The script is good, and the performances are terrific. Crowe puts in a terrific performance, and an absorbing atmosphere is created. It's also moving. You really feel for the situation that the family finds itself in and some of the sequences are very nearly tear-jerkers. I really enjoyed this. Terrific Friday evening thriller.