Legendary director Clint Eastwood reunites “About A Boy” co-stars Nicholas Hoult and Toni Collette for his final directorial effort, “Juror #2,” from Warner Bros. Johnathan Abrams pens the script and presents a legal thriller focused on Justin Kemp (Hoult), a journalist called up for jury duty.
Kemp serves on the jury for a high-profile murder trial involving James Michael Sythe (Gabriel Basso), who is accused of killing Kendall Carter (Francesca Eastwood). However, as the trial progresses, Kemp realizes that he may be responsible for the victim’s accidental death. Collette portrays Faith Killebrew, the Assistant District Attorney prosecuting the case.
The cast also features Chris Messina as Eric Resnick, the public defender who represents Sythe. Zoey Deutch portrays Allison, the spouse of Kemp and a local schoolteacher. Kiefer Sutherland plays Larry Lasker, who serves as Kemp’s Alcoholics Anonymous sponsor and later assumes the role of his defense attorney. Cedric Yarbrough, Leslie Bibb, and Adrienne C. Moore are also cast as fellow jurors.
I knew little about “Juror #2” as it got very little promotion. Even with excellent test scores and decent buzz, the film only went to half a dozen theaters (which is surprising considering the massive star power behind the project).t. Nevertheless, I hit play on my awards copy as a fan of lead actor Nicholas Hoult, who is having a stellar acting year.
Hoult gives our lead character an everyman approach, portraying Justin as a man who has had a difficult life but sees the light at the end of the tunnel when his child arrives. However, the look in his eyes when he realizes that he is, without having imagined it, personally involved in the drama of the trial on which he is serving jury duty is what acting is all about. How can he “do justice” in all conscience but without putting himself in danger?
Hoult shines in the lead and has excellent chemistry with everyone involved, whether trying to keep the peace with his wife, who is in a high-risk pregnancy or trying to sway the jurors to see things his way. Hoult has great moments with both Simmons and comedian Cedric Yarbrough. Simmons could do his role in his sleep, but Yarbrough is a real surprise, and I would love to see him take on more dramatic roles. Toni Collete and Chris Messina are also good.
My biggest issue with the film, though, is Simmons’s arc was wrapped up too quickly, as I was vastly invested in his character. Additionally, I can see some viewers having issues with the ambiguous ending. Nevertheless, the film’s trial process and jury dynamics were incredibly fascinating.
For his final directorial effort, Eastwood cleverly exposes the issues with the issues with biased jurors’ problems and the impact of personal agendas.
Final Grade: B+
“Juror #2” will begin streaming on Max on December 20.
