Pattinson puts in one of his most interesting performances to date as the slimy, morally bankrupt, ineffectual hood, who's only redeeming quality is his love for his brother. This is somewhat problematic given he is onscreen for the entire film and is purposefully obtuse and unsympathetic. Safdie gives the substantially more layered emotional, and therefore interesting portrayal however he only appears briefly at the beginning and end of the film. Jennifer Jason Leigh is underutilized in a small confusing role. A standout is Buddy Duress who plays whiny knucklehead paired up with Connie by happenstance. He's funny and unique, projecting a reality Pattinson strives for but doesn't attain. The other supporting cast are either non-actors or unknowns either way they create a rich sense of authenticity.
The production design is pulse-pumping and on point. The color palette is a sickly shadow and neon capturing the small time underworld the characters inhabit. The score is catchy and effective. The issues mainly arise from the script. The story hinges on the relationship between the two brothers, on Connie's affection for Nick, that is the most compelling thing about the film but other than a couple scenes at the beginning and end that relationship is used almost solely as motivation to send Connie on his ill-conceived and disastrous journey. Further what gives Connie the urgency for this is his brother Nick being beaten senseless by a bunch of rage-filled minority inmates at Rikers. It is relatively unbelievable a mentally handicapped person would be put into Rikers initially, doubly so that they would almost immediately be assaulted, triply so by violent prison stereotypes. Those are some huge and extremely questionable leaps to set Connie on his path.
Problematic plot and dubious motivations in an otherwise promising film.
Rent It.
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