With a strong standout performance from Nicholas Hoult, Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2 is a tense, legal thriller that leaves leaves you on the edge of your seat.
About Juror #2
Juror #2 Synopsis: After getting recruited to serve on a jury for a high profile murder trial, a juror – family man Justin Kemp (Nicholas Hoult) begins to have second thoughts. Mainly about whether or not the suspect is innocent or not. This comes to a head when Kemp determines that he might be responsible. Thus, leading to him to contend to his guilt about what happened.
Eastwood & Co Head To Court With Juror #2
When it comes to Juror #2, director Clint Eastwood and company craft a tense legal thriller. One that makes you question the validity of its protagonist. Especially from the legendary Eastwood. Who along with his long-time cinematographer Yves Bélanger, stage the setting standardly. Complete with little to no flair. In turn, this works as you becomes focused on the film’s central premise.
As its storytelling leaves you on the edge of your seat. Speaking of the storytelling, Jonathan Abrams’ script is the main culprit responsible here. With the script, Abrams prioritises character and plot above all else. Especially when it comes to Justin (Hoult) and his guilt. Thereupon, keeping the film on a tight focus until the end. The script also manages to its central mystery until the final scene.
Production Design & Score
Additionally, production designer Ron Reiss maintains the little to no flair provided by Bélanger’s cinematography. In particular, Reiss utilises real-world elements. Especially during the present day moments. However, during the flashback moments, Reiss deviates from the standard. Instead, he slightly elevates everything. Thereby making us question what we are seeing. This is then echoed by costume designer Deborah Hopper. While most of the costumes are from the modern day, Hopper exespiflies the costumes. As a result, they match the personalities of the characters. Giving us a simple and direct approach to them.
In contrast, composer Mark Mancina’s score is tense. Filled with waves of synth and violins, the score uses a riff of violin. Mainly used to ratchet up the tension. But, it’s never at the cost of it being overbearing. In regards to editing, editors Joel and David Cox edits the film to a quick pace. Bringing the film in at about an hour and fifty-three minutes, the Coxs manage to the keep the focus on the plot. While also adding in the nuance from the main characters’ actions. However, this does come at a cost. Namely, outside of one other juror, we don’t get to know any of the other jurors. Or if we do, it’s shrouded in quick exposition.
Performances
With the performances, Nicholas Hoult leads the cast as Justin Kemp. As Kemp, Hoult delivers a phenomenal performance. Mainly as the character is a recovering alcoholic, who is trying to determine if he is responsible. And if he is, whether or not, he should turn himself in. Hoult balances this guilt the character feels with a relatability. One that is compelling to watch.
Likewise, Toni Collette also delivers a phenomenal performance as Faith Killbrew, a prosecutor up for District Attorney. Collette shares good chemistry with Chris Messina, whose character Eric Resnick is a public defender. As a result, this makes their dynamic in and out of the courtroom interesting. Where we see how the two approach the law and justice in general. Especially when it comes to handling the case of Gabriel Basso’s James Michael Scythe.
In a more limited capacity, J.K. Simmons and Kiefer Sutherland both deliver strong performances as Harold, another juror with doubts about the case and Larry Lasker, a lawyer friend of Kemp’s. Finally, rounding out the cast is Zoey Detuch and Cedric Yarbrough as Alison, Justin’s wife and Marcus, a juror who is on the opposite side of Justin. Both of whom deliver good performances with Detuch having nice chemistry with Hoult. Meanwhile, Yarbrough maintains a straightforward edge in contrast with Hoult’s lenient attitude.
Final Thoughts
When comes to Juror #2, Eastwood and company craft a tense legal thriller. One that thrives on the validity of its central protagonist. Additionally, Jonathan Abrams’ script leaves you on the edge of your seat with its storytelling, Complete with a harrowing score from Mancina that ratchets up the tension. Finally, Nicholas Hoult leads the cast with a phenomenal performance as the titular juror. Overall, Juror #2 is a tense, remarkable thriller fuelled by a lead standout performance from Hoult. It’s simply the type of movie we used to get.
