“Triple 9” is an action thriller that may lead the genre in a grimy new direction – which is only a bad thing for the squeamish. Suspense and gore are on overload for the film, which stars Chiwetel Ejiofor, Anthony Mackie and Woody Harrelson.
Director John Hillcoat delivers a cinematic experience that will linger with viewers because of the carnage, suspense and deviation from the typical American action caper.
“Triple 9” starts with edge-of-your-seat action by introducing a crew of bank thieves preparing for freelance heist on behalf of the Russian mafia.
Intense with a manic pace from the onset, the movie starts with a bang and never slows down.
There are no sacred cows –and lines between the good guys and bad guys are permanently blurred from the very beginning.
Atlanta Police have their work cut out for them as they search for the culprits of the high-profile bank robbery.
Meanwhile, the crew of criminals though that the heist was their ticket out of the game.
They soon learn that they are being forcefully commissioned to commit an even more risky “job.”
Their dilemma – and the deplorable strategy they deem necessary to successfully deliver in spite of the risk – divides the crew.
The plan requires them to obliterate any sense of morality and incorporate human collateral damage on the front end.
This notion doesn’t set well with everyone. And the conflict sets off a chain of events that puts everyone’s lives, freedom and financial gain in jeopardy.
Emotional rollercoasters of “Triple 9” in response to the antics of the crew are as captivating as the crimes they commit – and the havoc they wreak in the process.
It raises the bar with respect to on-screen violence, and gives horror flicks a run for their money as far as the blood and gore.
Suspenseful from start to finish, viewers will be drawn in to the lack of predictability.
The cast makes the most of Hillcoat’s opportunity to stretch within their craft with his unique perspective of cinematic storytelling as it relates to crime dramas.
Beyond the regular chemistry, an understanding of the group dynamics for the characters they are portraying is an enthralling asset for the film.
Ejiofor’s instincts as a performer compel everyone in his crew of misfits to rise to the challenges of the moral and emotional dilemmas that have become their reality.
Harrelson stands out among the cast for his ability – like the film – to personify the irony of a cop who has ingratiate himself with the lowest element of the population in order to be effective.
“Triple 9” leaves an impression and will raise expectations for the genre with respect to creating suspenseful action dramas that keep audiences on the edge of their seats – and keep them guessing until the very end.
“Triple 9” is open in theatres nationwide. The film is rated R with a running time of 115 minutes.
