Review 545: Destroyer

Destroyer is an engrossing, haunting and  crime thriller, a gripping character study and another showcase for a masterfully brilliant performance by Nicole Kidman.

When a new case uncovers traumas from a past undercover operation, LAPD Det. Erin Bell (Nicole Kidman) is forced to face her personal and professional demons.

The plot is simple but effective. It's an excellent showcase for and a great character study of a woman in ruins. It's a very emotionaly effecting story

The 121 minute narrative unfolds at an unbearably slow and methodical pace testing our patience. Flowing back and fourth across a nonlinear narrative, Destroyer shows us the past in flashes 

With this film, director Karyn Kusama once again explores themes of Feminism, Loss, Despair and Anxiety all of which are explored through the character of Erin Bell, her actions and her emotional journey.

Karyn Kusama's direction is viseral, the cinematography is appropriately grimy and expertly captures the   the score by Theodore Shapiro is superbly and appropriately subtle. The locations are stunning and showcase to us a version of L.A. that we’re not use to seeing: One that’s a crime ridden, brutal environment with a relentless beating down sunshine.
The costumes are terrific and in particular help to reflect Erin's rough and gruff persona. The make up is astonishing and helps to showcase how disgruntled and haggard Bell and Petra (Tatiana Maslany) are and showing that they really have done nothing to take care of themselves.

The character of det. Erin Bell is very appealing because she's not an intrinsically or inherently likeable character as she's someone whose willing to use morally questionable means to get the job done. She's a law enforcement officer gone rogue, she acts very much on her own accord. She's a damaged wreck of a human being, her life is destroyed, her career and reputation are on the rocks.
She's also someone whose very much driven by shame, guilt, rage and sorrow: Emotions that have been brewing inside her for far too long and she can't deal with them. She made a bad choice that still haunts her
Kidman expertly conveys her aggression and resentment  Her body language is another contributing factor to selling the character

 

4.5/5

 

The Anonymous Critic.