In a year that involved two major missing children cases in the UK, no film resonates the past 12 months in the press more than Ben Affleck’s directorial debut - so it’s understandable that the original UK release date was put back by 6 months.
Based on the Denis Lahane novel of the same name, Casey Affleck plays Patrick McKenzie, a local private investigator in a rough area in Boston. Approached by the family of a missing girl, Patrick and his girlfriend Angie (Michelle Monaghan) throw themselves into the life of this family, unearthing a highly disturbing tale of selfish people and underlining the fact that people will never change.
Along with the local police, captained by the reliably excellent, Morgan Freeman, Patrick has a cagey relationship with the authorities, who resent his involvement in their case. This tense atmosphere is brilliantly alleviated by the blunt but enjoyable dry humour that punctuates this uneasy alliance. Ed Harris punches his weight as the ageing detective set on the case and his banter with Casey Affleck’s character makes for great viewing, as they begin to work together and realise they’re all fighting for the same cause.
But what makes this film so brilliant are the unexpected twists and turns the story that regularly leave you unsettled but never quite sure why. Plus, all the cast are at their best. Casey Affleck captivates again, building on his already impressive CV and proving that he is the most talented acting Affleck. But Amy Ryan, who plays the grieving trailer-trash mother, really steals the show and was rightfully nominated for the Best Supporting Actress Oscar. Her performance is so strong that you can't fail to be haunted by the moral implications of the story as you leave the cinema, forced into a mental tussle that you’ll fight with for many days after.
After almost ten years in the Hollywood 'widerness', Ben Affleck has found his feet with a story that grabs you by the throat and demands that the audience think about the characters' actions long after the credits roll. A bold move by a bold director. So let’s forget Gigli, kick J-Lo to the curb and appreciate Ben Affleck for this unforgettable film.
