The large ensemble cast creates a series of fascinating characters who pull us in, some to cheer for and others to root against. With the deepest emotional moments, Pascal exudes pain as a tough guy who no longer has a reason to hold back. By contrast, the beefy Ellis makes the equally angry Sleepy Floyd an instrument of the gods. Mendelsohn's despicable cop, who is simply called "the guy" and acts as an intersection for all of the ugliness on display. And Hanks is hilarious as an enigmatic video store clerk.

These are stories of horrible confrontations and tragedies that take turns in unexpected directions. Intriguingly, each incident involves a subversion of vengeance, and the climactic hyper-grisly sequence has deliberate echoes of Tarantino in its unstoppable rampage of revenge. All four strands weave together in intriguing ways that add a variety of twists in each tale, each celebrating the inherent power that comes to those who are on the right side of things, even against all odds.

themes, language, violence

18.Mar.25

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