Juror #2 Review
Juror #2 theater worthy?
Story follows Justin Kemp played by Nicholas Hoult who is called for jury duty but little does he know this would lead to a huge effect on his life, and a huge realization; and he has a baby on the way. As he sits in the court room, he begins to realize he might actually be the one who ended a life and not the one on trial. Through the course of the film, we see flashback, and his struggle with drinking. But drinking did not lead to this accident, purely poor conditions (night, rain, and low visibility). When the accident first happened he believed he hit a dear, but doesn’t see anything; and so he gets back in his car and leave. But what he didn’t know at the time he hit a woman, and what he didn’t know is the boyfriend would be put on trial. But the real ask of this film was should he come forward, or let this man take the fall. Through the course of this film, there are realizations through a newish investigation, not an official one. The DA is conflicted as there may be consequences for her, but there would be the right man caught.
The film leaves us asking does he come clean, or does the prosecution let him be. The main factor for Justin is his wife, and new baby girl. His wife seemingly discovers the truth, but knows he can’t come forward, his AA sponsor knows but tells him what to do to protect himself. A recently released juror was close to discovering, and the DA has a realization during her discovery of who did it. I like that it leaves us asking ourselves the question, but it might be clear he is taken in by the DA or is it.
I don’t think this film was theater worthy, despite its VERY limited run of 30 screens in the USA. Though I can appreciate the story telling that is somewhat gripping. But the lack in some areas are made up for by the performances. I think one thing I would have added is a stronger final monologue from Justin and the DA. There could have been a better way for Justin’s character to go about him discovering what happened, as this was purely an accident. This may be director Clint Eastwood’s final film and I don’t know how to feel about that. This gave similar vibe to 12 Angry Men, and I didn’t hate it but I didn’t love it.
Overall 3/5