Juror #2 Review: Smart Courtroom Drama
Streaming Movie Review - Courtroom drama - Max
If you are a fan of 1990s John Grisham-style courtroom dramas, then I have good news for you. Legendary actor and director Clint Eastwood has brought back this kind of film with his new movie, Juror #2, which is now streaming on Max.
When Justin Kemp (Nicholas Hoult) gets a jury summons, he wants to figure out a way to avoid serving because his wife Allison (Zoey Deutch) is expecting after losing twins in a previous pregnancy. Despite explaining his situation to the judge (Amy Aquino), she places him on the jury in the trial of James Michael Sythe (Gabriel Basso), who is accused of murdering his girlfriend. However, when the trial begins, Justin realizes that he has a vested interest in steering the jury toward a specific ruling to make sure that the wrong person isn’t punished for this crime.
One of the best parts about Juror #2 is that it doesn’t spend much time setting up the story. The moral dilemma that Justin faces is revealed early in the movie, allowing us time to sit with that as we get to know the character. Having his full story almost from the start of the film informs much of how each action he takes over the next hours.
Despite the film being almost two hours long, the pacing is impeccable. The story clips briskly along, providing just enough tension to keep the viewer engaged while also avoiding overcomplicating the story. It is straightforward but still enjoyable enough to hold attention.
The performances also elevate this movie. Toni Collette plays the prosecutor for the State, and, as always, she is phenomenal. J.K. Simmons has a small role as a former police officer who is on the jury, and he does an exceptional job of moving the story along in a compelling manner. As the titular Juror #2, Hoult delivers a performance that allows the viewer to approach Justin with suspicion and also empathy. The truth is, there aren’t any weak performances in this movie.
The script does have some clunky moments. There were a few times when what was happening seemed to be more about convenience for the plot than how it would work in real life, but there was nothing so egregious that it distracted from the primary story, and the actors were good enough that they were able to carry any of the clumsier moments through.
Courtroom dramas are hit or miss for me. Last year’s critical darling Anatomy of a Fall didn’t fully connect with me despite being an exceptionally well-crafted movie. But for whatever reason, Juror #2 worked. Perhaps it was the straightforward storyline. Maybe it was the throwback feel of the framing. Or maybe it was the way the film rather smartly examines what justice looks like in a system as flawed as ours. Regardless, Juror #2 is a solid recommendation from me.