Review: Juror #2
Justice Is Blind. Guilt Sees Everything.
INTRODUCTION
This is a quick review of the newly released film Juror #2. Keep in mind this is but one of the many movies I watch every year, and that whatever initial grade I come up for this film could change for better or worse with time. To better keep up to date with both my thoughts on other movies and if my feelings on this film changed, follow me on Letterboxd.
I’d also appreciate it greatly if you spread the word about the newsletter to any family or friends who would love to have film reviews, classic movie lists, and Oscars projections delivered straight to their inbox.
THE PLOT
Via Letterboxd: While serving as a juror in a high profile murder trial, family man Justin Kemp finds himself struggling with a serious moral dilemma - one he could use to sway the jury verdict and potentially convict, or free, the accused killer.
QUICK REVIEW
Clint Eastwood is, of course, an iconic actor, but he’s also a highly accomplished director. He can proudly claim two Best Picture wins as a director - an achievement even Steven Spielberg hasn’t matched.
However, in the later years of his career, his directorial efforts have been more hit-or-miss, both critically and financially. With his latest film, Juror #2, rumored to be his last, there’s added pressure for him to deliver.
My verdict? While I wouldn’t call this final film a top-tier Eastwood production, it’s still a decent and satisfyingly enough movie to bow out on.
The film’s ensemble boasts an impressive lineup, including Nicholas Hoult, Toni Collette, J.K. Simmons, Chris Messina, Zoey Deutch, Cedric Yarbrough, and Kiefer Sutherland, among others.
Hoult is the standout here, using his body language and expressive eyes to convey an anxiety that makes it feel as if the walls are constantly about to close in on him. His performance is crucial; without it, the film might lack much of its impact. Collette delivers a solid performance, though her character lacks depth, as (to be fair) do most of the supporting cast members, who are given only a few hints of backstory. Simmons, who had the potential to leave a lasting impression, is surprisingly underutilized.
The movie’s strongest asset is its exploration of moral dilemmas. The screenplay adds layers to various perspectives, making the unfolding events feel grounded and believable. I found myself fully engaged, questioning how I’d respond myself in certain situations. For most of the film, these moral quandaries drive the plot and character motivations, holding my interest as I wondered how everything would conclude for each key character.
However, the film’s weakness lies in what feels like script gaps or plot holes in the final act. Character arcs are largely abandoned, and the story rushes through the last part of the trial. This culminates in an ending that felt more open-ended than satisfying, leaving me with a sense of untapped potential and, to some extent, an unfinished story.
Despite this, Juror #2 is still an accessible film that should appeal to a wide audience. The plot concept is intriguing as hell and will keep first-time viewers guessing throughout its two-hour runtime. I just wish it had that extra depth to elevate it to top-tier Eastwood. For what it is, I’d give Juror #2 an initial grade of B - not a B- or B+, just a straightforward B. It’s mid-tier Eastwood at best, but it should satisfy most of its target audience.
INITIAL GRADING
