Cooper Hoffman is the defacto lead Garraty who finds moments of authenticity but stumbles during any outburst of emotion or monologue. He has talent but is still incredibly green, if he weren't a nepo baby there is no way he would be getting leading roles at this point, he's not terrible here but he clearly doesn't have the chops of the other cast members. This is particularly evident by contrast with co-lead David Jonsson who plays McVries who continues to show he has a long career ahead of him with a lot left to show. This is the second film in which he's the best part of it(Alien: Romulus being the first). His presence is not only the heart of the movie but his magnetism and commitment ground it when it veers off into overly sentimental territory making what, on paper, would be some questionable monologues effective. The supporting cast is filled with young talent- Garrett Wareing, Tut Nyuot, Charlie Plummer, Ben Wang, and Joshua Odjick among others- who all make their mark but none are given that much dimension(as they are in the book) presumably in the interest of time. Most, if not all, of the character development and emotional work is left to Hoffman and Jonsson who mostly succeed.
Visually the film is simple, sharp, and effective. Shot chronologically and mostly without CGI it appropriately evokes a relentless bleakness and inevitability with a subtle but sharp style. The score is mostly effective but becomes a bit overwrought in the third act. The script takes some necessary diversions from the absolutely brutal book to inject some needed compassion and hope, focusing more on the friendship of McVries and Garraty and changing the ending(to questionable success). Not a perfect King adaptation but a solid, entertaining, and sadly relevant genre flick.
A great production and a great cast lift up an uneven Hoffman and a shaky third act.
Currently in theaters.
Rent It.
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