FILM REVIEW: The Debt

7 out of 10

Marton showing Jessica the Kiwi way

If a film sets up a significant event with a dark secret, and then spends 90 minutes on build up and impact, the reveal of that dark secret has to match and surpass the expectations alluded to at the beginning of the film. In perhaps the films only failing, I'm not sure The Debt, actually does.

It's a shame not so much in that it makes a good movie bad. There's too much talent on show for that. But, it's a shame because it stops a good movie from being great... perhaps a classic. Everything else in the mix is excellent. Casting, direction, production design, all superb. Its just that reveal, that moment you shouldn't be able to anticipate, and do. The ever so slight let-down, when the promise was so tantalising. The plot tried to make up for it with a few turns near the end, but for me the damage had been done.

This judgement sounds severe for a film I actually enjoyed quite a bit, especially given the Kiwi factor (Marton Csokas doing anxious tense bit well), but that tinge of regret is a taint hard to dismiss. Given time, I'm sure I will, and appreciate it for large amount it does so well.