Directors Series: Karyn Kusama
The goal for the Directors Series will be to take a deep dive into the entire filmography of either an up and coming director whose name should be on the tip of everyone's tongue or a potentially well known director with a diverse filmography. Some of the names on this list will surprise you, as they have been working as a director in Hollywood for a while and just gotten their big break, or have had a long time between projects.
THIS MONTH'S DIRECTOR: Karyn Kusama
Between The Invitation and this final film, Kusama took her film making prowess to the small screen, directing episodes of Chicago Fire, Casual, Masters of Sex, The Man in the High Castle, Billions and Halt and Catch Fire. She also directed the segment "Her Only Living Son" on the all female fronted horror anthology film XX in 2017.
MOVIE: Destroyer (2018)
Starring:
Nicole Kidman as Erin Bell
Sebastian Stan as Chris
Tatiana Maslany as Petra
Toby Kebbell as Silas
Scoot McNairy as Ethan
Bradley Whitford as DiFranco
Jade Pettyjohn as Shelby
Beau Knapp as Jay
Budget: $9 Million
Box Office:
Opened: $55,347
Final: $1.5M
Plot:
Years after a botched undercover case, Detective Erin Cahill begins her quest for revenge against the ringleader Silas and his gang who have finally resurfaced.
My Review:
This is much better than I remembered, hinging on a fiercely dedicated and raw performance from Nicole Kidman. Her sunken and tired eyes only tell half the story as we bounce back and forth between present day and the days leading up to the botched mission. Kusama and her writing team put together an engaging, well shot, yet ultimately dark mystery. Erin is the very definition of the anti-hero, doing whatever needs to be done to get answers.
Like all her previous films, the cinematography is fantastic and helps add to the mood the film has established. She also proves herself adept at a shootout, as there is an intense one plopped right in the middle of the film that seemingly comes out of nowhere.
Some things still don't work for me with the film. I get what she was trying to attempt with the subplot between her and her daughter but it doesn't quite hit the mark. I also wish the script had taken the time to dive more into Silas. As the villain of the film, you only see a fraction of what makes him so terrifying and worthy of Erin's revenge quest. Played by Toby Kebell, he makes the most of his limited screen time but he is mostly a McGuffin. They probably could have achieved the same result having him never appear on screen.
That being said, this is a very solid entry into the police thriller genre. I was quite engaged with the film despite its faults and it proves Kusama's cinematic eye as well as talent even further. She is able to hop genres and still be affective.
Critical reception:
74% on Rotten Tomatoes
Nicole Kidman:
Golden Globe Nominee for Best Actress Motion Picture Drama
Saturn Awards Best Actress nominee
Los Angeles Online Film Critics Society Awards Best Actress Nominee
Nevada Film Critics Society Best Actress Winner
Karyn Kusama:
Saturn Awards Best Director nominee
TIFF Platform Prize nominee
Alliance of Women Film Journalists Best Director Nominee
London Film Festival Best Film Nominee
Nominated:
Saturn Award nominee for Best Thriller Film, Best Make-Up
Up Next: The Films of Karyn Kusama Ranked